In this - somewhat delayed - episode, I discuss how, due to a change in how the Key stage 2 SATs were graded in 2014, we have ended up with a two-tier education system where the children who are confident and capable receive a wider and more balanced curriculum than those who are struggling. We also look at how your postcode could influence that curriculum, and, given that it is totally against government policy, the DfE allow it to happen...

In this episode of Mr M’s PTA, we peel back the curtain on the Year 6 SATs, and the systemic pressures currently reshaping primary education. I share my findings from my MA research at University College London, exploring how high-stakes testing is forcing schools to abandon a broad curriculum in favour of a narrow focus on "SPaG" and arithmetic, and we discuss what happens to your child's school experience when the target becomes the measure.

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This week I'm discussing all things GCSE and A. Level stress-related. This description is going to be cut very short because I am so woefully behind schedule! Listen to the episode, you'l catch up really quickly - you're awesome!

In this episode, Carl Headley-Morris puts on his teacher hat to tackle the serious and complex topic of school-based bullying. Moving past the outdated notion that playground harassment is just a rite of passage, this discussion breaks down the reality of what modern bullying looks like and how it strips children of their agency.

This episode covers:

• Defining Bullying: The three critical ingredients required to identify bullying: intentionality, repetition, and an imbalance of power.

  
  

• Modern Threats: The different forms bullying takes today, from relational exclusion and cyberbullying to prejudicial targeting, with a specific look at the heightened risks for children with SEND.

  
  

• Spotting the Signs: How parents can look out for internalised distress, including psychosomatic markers and signs of learned helplessness.

  
  

• Actionable Strategies: Practical steps for parents, including using the "Mad, Sad, Glad" technique to open dialogue, rejecting the pressure to mask distress, and the most effective ways to collaborate with your child's school.

  
  

Tune in for clear, educator-backed advice on providing the scaffolding your child needs to rebuild their resilience and navigate their social environment safely.

Is your pre-teen "vamping" under the covers or ignoring dinner for a screen? Mr. M breaks down the "Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes" biology of the adolescent brain to explain why smartphones are so addictive for the 10–14 age group. Discover the "Displacement Hypothesis," the four pillars of mental health being pushed out by devices, and a phased "training wheels" approach to introducing technology without social exile.

Ever wondered what’s really going on behind the teacher’s desk?

Welcome to Mr M’s PTA (Parent/Teacher Association). After a decade on the frontline of education and a lifetime at the school gate, host Mr M is relaunching his podcast to bridge the gap between the classroom and the kitchen table.

In this association, there are no dry lectures or formal board meetings. We’re diving into the beautiful mess of modern parenting and the reality of 21st-century education.

What to expect from this season:

• The "Dual-Lens" Perspective: How being a teacher by day and a parent by night changes everything.

• Education Reality: From the "great homework debate" to the simple joys of a quiet classroom.

• Solidarity for All: Whether you’re a fellow educator or a parent navigating the system, there’s a seat for you here.

Hit that follow button now on Spotify (or your favourite podcast app) so you never miss an opening bell!

Learn more at: www.mrmsmusings.com

Head over to Mr M's Musings.com for show notes...

Hello everyone, after what seems like an age, I am back with series 2 of Mr M's Musings. Probably on a more realistic monthly schedule but definitely back and raring to go.

There is a slight tweak in format for series 2 and the same old sound quality issues. With that in mind, if you like what you hear or you've found anything useful either here on on the blog site, and you would like to help resolve that sound quality issue, you can now buy me a coffee!

Show notes are available over at mrmsmusings.com.