Dr Wilton Lodge says it's not enough to just decolonise our curriculum.

Wilton, an Associate Professor (Teaching) at UCL, discusses how teachers can confront their own biases about what knowledge is powerful, and be more responsive to the diverse cultural perspectives in every classroom.

"Inequality in education is not accidental. It is produced through curriculum choices, pedagogical practises, assessment systems and institutional cultures...

Addressing this requires educators to move beyond surface level ideas of inclusion. It means critically asking questions such as whose knowledge is being taught, whose voices are heard, and whose experiences are centred in our classroom."

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2026/jan/culturally-responsive-pedagogy-staffroom-s06e03

Tessa Blair (East London Teaching School Hub) tells us how mentors can support the development of positive orientations to learning.

She tells Mark and Elaine how a professional culture tied to learning and mentorship can make a big difference in the lives of early career teachers (ECTs).

Tessa explains that mentors can help foster an inclusive and encouraging culture for ECTs, guiding them through the process of learning to teach. Mentors can model a process of reflection and self-evaluation so "ECTs can really see how to think like a teacher."

"Teachers need the time, space and encouragement to articulate and critically examine the processes of learning to teach – mentors are the best place to do that."

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/learning-teaching-why-mindset-matters-and-what-means-mentors-staffroom-s06e02

How do you support the next generation of creative leaders?

Explore how East London’s creative ecosystem nurtures talent after the 2012 Olympics.

Host Liza Fletcher and guests dissect bridging gaps between institutions and grassroots organisations, affordable spaces, and youth entrepreneurship in the Olympic Boroughs. With a focus on growth, representation, and accessibility, this episode challenges the creative industries to rethink who gets to lead, and why.

Full show notes: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/news/2025/nov/empowering-creative-talent