Start the new school year inspired with Chief Executive Martin Westwell as he joins Teach to discuss the year ahead. From encouraging new teachers and exploring the updated curriculum, to the introduction of three-year-old preschool and the first technical college student graduates, the Chief Executive shares his optimism, vision, and practical insights for educators. Discover how South Australia is broadening what success looks like for every learner and be energised for the year ahead.

Start the new school year inspired with Chief Executive Martin Westwell as he joins Teach to discuss the year ahead. From encouraging new teachers and exploring the updated curriculum, to the introduction of three-year-old preschool and the first technical college student graduates, the Chief Executive shares his optimism, vision, and practical insights for educators. Discover how South Australia is broadening what success looks like for every learner and be energised for the year ahead.

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.

Teach

New Year, New Opportunities with Chief Executive Martin Westwell

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.

Inclusive connections at Berri Regional Secondary College

In this episode, hear how civics and citizenship education is brought to life at Golden Grove High School with teacher Chantel Lee and year 11 student Joel Strauss. The pair share their experiences from last year’s inaugural Active Citizenship Convention, where students from across the state learned about politics, democracy, and having a real say in their communities. The episode highlights practical ways young people are supported to take on leadership roles and drive positive change, such as holding a student forum and taking on social action projects to improve access to period products. These activities help students build confidence, find their voice, and learn the value of working together, debating ideas, and making decisions. When students are given the chance, it’s clear to see just how eager and able they are to make a real difference in their school and beyond.

In this episode, hear how civics and citizenship education is brought to life at Golden Grove High School with teacher Chantel Lee and year 11 student Joel Strauss. The pair share their experiences from last year&rsquo;s inaugural Active Citizenship Convention, where students from across the state learned about politics, democracy, and having a real say in their communities. The episode highlights practical ways young people are supported to take on leadership roles and drive positive change, such as holding a student forum and taking on social action projects to improve access to period products. These activities help students build confidence, find their voice, and learn the value of working together, debating ideas, and making decisions. When students are given the chance, it&rsquo;s clear to see just how eager and able they are to make a real difference in their school and beyond.

Empowering student voice through civics education

In this episode, Teach welcomes back Ron Berger (Senior Advisor, EL Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor) and Gwyn ap Harri (CEO & Co-founder of XP Schools Trust, UK) to reflect on the progress and growth since Learning Expeditions were first introduced a year ago. Discover how schools have embraced this approach, linking academic challenge with character development and community action, and hear inspiring stories from students, teachers, and school leaders who are seeing real change in their classrooms and communities. Ron and Gwyn share valuable lessons from international experience, the challenges and successes of scaling up, and the continual importance of school culture and leadership in sustaining meaningful learning.

In this episode, Teach welcomes back Ron Berger (Senior Advisor, EL Education, and Harvard Graduate School of Education professor) and Gwyn ap Harri (CEO &amp; Co-founder of XP Schools Trust, UK) to reflect on the progress and growth since Learning Expeditions were first introduced a year ago. Discover how schools have embraced this approach, linking academic challenge with character development and community action, and hear inspiring stories from students, teachers, and school leaders who are seeing real change in their classrooms and communities. Ron and Gwyn share valuable lessons from international experience, the challenges and successes of scaling up, and the continual importance of school culture and leadership in sustaining meaningful learning.

New Year, New Opportunities with Chief Executive Martin Westwell

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