In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia’s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to illustrate how schools can break free from old ways of thinking. Dr Hames highlights the importance of language, trust, community, and curiosity for educators seeking to create genuine change.

In this episode, Dr Richard Hames, philosopher, author, and strategic foresight practitioner, reflects on his keynote speech at the 2026 Education Leaders Day. He shares insights into leadership and learning in South Australia&rsquo;s public education system, using the metaphor of hot air balloons to illustrate how schools can break free from old ways of thinking. Dr Hames highlights the importance of language, trust, community, and curiosity for educators seeking to create genuine change.

Join us for an open discussion about life as an educator and the best educational approaches to drive quality learning. You'll hear from expert teachers and inspiring school leaders who have tried, failed and triumphed and have the scars and gold stars to show for it.

A South Australian podcast about teaching and learning.

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Moving beyond old-school thinking

Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing challenges facing schools today. Learn how education reform can foster equity, strengthen community relationships, and build learner agency. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of public institutions, the importance of inclusive approaches, and how schools can support resilient, engaged communities.

Explore the future of public education in South Australia with Tom Bentley, Vice President for Strategy and Community Impact at RMIT University. This episode delves into the purpose of public education in the 21st century, reflecting on lessons from the Gonski review and addressing the ongoing challenges facing schools today. Learn how education reform can foster equity, strengthen community relationships, and build learner agency. Listeners will gain insight into the evolving role of public institutions, the importance of inclusive approaches, and how schools can support resilient, engaged communities.

Equity and agency in public education

At Prospect North Primary School the students are telling their own stories via PNTV (Prospect North TV) videos and podcasts. Hear how it all began, why it’s got the whole school community excited, and how students come up with their own story ideas to share with everyone. Staff members Judy and Sam share how making media boosts student confidence and connects their learning with real life. Students Darcy and Alistair talk about their favourite moments, and who’s on their interview ‘wish list’. If you’re interested in starting something similar, you’ll pick up some simple tips and see how fun and rewarding student-led media can be.

At Prospect North Primary School the students are telling their own stories via PNTV (Prospect North TV) videos and podcasts. Hear how it all began, why it&rsquo;s got the whole school community excited, and how students come up with their own story ideas to share with everyone. Staff members Judy and Sam share how making media boosts student confidence and connects their learning with real life. Students Darcy and Alistair talk about their favourite moments, and who&rsquo;s on their interview &lsquo;wish list&rsquo;. If you&rsquo;re interested in starting something similar, you&rsquo;ll pick up some simple tips and see how fun and rewarding student-led media can be.

Behind the scenes at PNTV

Berri Regional Secondary College, 2025 winner of the Public Education Award for Inclusive Practices in Education, reimagined the traditional school house sports competition to encompass diversity, belonging and unity. Principal Clinton Ridgway, along with Sports and HPE Coordinator Josh Vater share how students were the instigators of the Inclusion Cup – an event with such a variety of activities that every student can participate and feel valued. The event has resulted in greater attendance, improved wellbeing, and an overall sense of school pride. The school presented their journey at the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) National Inclusion and Disability Conference, showcasing how student agency and creative event design can transform school culture.

Berri Regional Secondary College, 2025 winner of the Public Education Award for Inclusive Practices in Education, reimagined the traditional school house sports competition to encompass diversity, belonging and unity. Principal Clinton Ridgway, along with Sports and HPE Coordinator Josh Vater share how students were the instigators of the Inclusion Cup &ndash; an event with such a variety of activities that every student can participate and feel valued. The event has resulted in greater attendance, improved wellbeing, and an overall sense of school pride. The school presented their journey at the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) National Inclusion and Disability Conference, showcasing how student agency and creative event design can transform school culture.

Moving beyond old-school thinking

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