Shows
Joining the DotsEpisode 18 with Richard O'NeilJoining the Dots Podcast with Richard O’Neill MBE on Storytelling, Skills & Resilience
Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop interview Richard O’Neill MBE – Author, master storyteller, founder of Lumberjunkers, visiting professor at Durham, campaigner for men’s health.
🔑 Episode Highlights:
Storytelling as the heart of communication:
Richard shares how his Romany upbringing shaped his love of oral storytelling and literacy. He argues that storytelling develops oracy, confidence, and resilience—vital human “soft” skills often overlooked in education and business.
Woodwork + Word work = Learning through making:
His Lumberjunkers project combines woodworking with storytelling. Chil...2025-07-1846 minJoining the DotsEpisode 17 with Bianca Farthing🎙️ Joining the Dots: Challenging the Rhetoric of AI in Education with Bianca Farthing
In this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al and Matt are joined by Bianca, founder of AI Edify, history teacher, and digital leader — to explore how education can rise above the hype of AI and technology to truly serve learners.
Together, they dive into:
✨ Why education must prioritise ethics, safeguarding, and humanity over efficiency when adopting AI.
✨ The dangers of letting commercial agendas drive how children experience technology — from grief bots to Snapchat AI.
✨ How schools can use AI responsibly t...2025-07-0539 minJoining the DotsEpisode 16 with Carla AertsIn this thought-provoking episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by global education innovator and learner-centred strategist Carla Aerts. With decades of experience in EdTech, AI, and digital learning, Carla brings a passionate, challenging, and compassionate lens to the big question: what is education really for?
🧠 From soft skills (or rather, “power skills”) to digital equity, learner agency, neuroplasticity, and the troubling persistence of high-stakes testing, this episode is a tour de force through the most pressing issues facing education today. The trio tackle:
Why education should be the catalyst for chi...2025-06-0846 minJoining the DotsEpisode 15 with Naomi Timperley🎙️ Joining the Dots – Episode: Bridging Business, Education & Innovation with Naomi Timperley
Hosts: Al Kingsley & Matt Jessop | Guest: Naomi Timperley
In this energising episode, Al and Matt are joined by powerhouse Naomi Timperley—innovation consultant, tech community builder, and passionate advocate for youth and entrepreneurship. Naomi shares her inspiring journey across the UK’s tech and education ecosystems, from launching digital startups to supporting apprentices in Greater Manchester.
Together, the trio explore:
🚀 Why real-world problem solving and entrepreneurship should be part of every classroom
🎓 The disconnect between education and business—and how to fix it
...2025-05-3033 minJoining the DotsEpisode 14 with Caroline AllamsIn this lively and thoughtful episode, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by educator and co-founder of Natterhub, Caroline Allams. Together, they dive into the evolving challenges and opportunities in education, especially around digital safety, parental engagement, and the impact of technology on both learning and wellbeing. Caroline shares her journey from early years teaching to EdTech entrepreneurship, and the trio explore how we can better prepare children for the digital world. Topics range from phonics fatigue and curriculum overload to the need for experiential, inquiry-led learning and equipping children with "power skills" to thrive in today’s wo...2025-05-1647 minJoining the DotsEpisode 13 with Hugh VineyIn this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Hugh Viney, founder and CEO of Minerva’s Virtual Academy (MVA) — one of the UK’s fastest-growing online schools. From launching with just four students in 2021 to educating over 1,100 full-time learners globally, Hugh shares MVA’s unique hybrid model blending 60% asynchronous and 40% synchronous learning.
💡 Topics include:
The founding vision of MVA and its rapid growth
Supporting neurodivergent learners and those with mental health challenges
The power of mentoring and building real community in a virtual setting
Redefining the role of tea...2025-05-0943 minJoining the DotsEpisode 12 with Paul GlossopIn this episode of Joining the Dots, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Paul Glossop from the University of Derby to explore the growing cracks in our education system, especially around attendance, SEND provision, and the rigidity of traditional pathways. From rising parental disillusionment to the potential of online schools, they tackle big questions about relevance, access, and the future of learning. Together, they examine how policy, practice, and perspective all need to shift if we’re serious about making education work for every learner.
Topics Covered:
Why the post-COVID “bums on seats” mindse...2025-05-0422 minJoining the DotsEpisode 11 with Professor Mick WatersRethinking the Purpose of Education
In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.
💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century?
📉 Are PISA rankings driving the wrong kinds of change?
⚖️ How can we restore agency to teachers—and maybe even students?
From the historic roots of curriculum design to the growing calls for “open schools” and global qualifications, the t...2025-04-1944 minJoining the DotsEpisode 10 with Dr Nick JacksonIn this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast, hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.
The discussion explores how AI highlights the uniquely human elements of teaching, creating urgency to redefine educational values, pedagogy, and assessment methods.
From the challenges of digital inequality and infrastructure g...2025-04-1341 minJoining the DotsEpisode 9 with Jonny ClarkIn this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”
He explains how true innovation demands stepping away from “hustle culture” clichés and focusing on real-world needs—especially in sectors like education and manufacturing, where Jonny sees enormous potential for growth if the right sup...2025-03-2845 minJoining the DotsEpisode 8 With Miles BerryThe Future of Tech in Education with Miles Berry
In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton and a leading voice in education, computing, and teacher training. They dive into the evolving role of technology in schools, questioning whether the current teacher training framework is fit for purpose and exploring how AI, computing, and digital skills should shape the future curriculum.
📌 Key Topics Discussed:
✅ The gap in technology training for new teachers and upcoming changes
✅ How curriculum and assessm...2025-03-1641 minJoining the DotsEpisode 7 with Edmund Barnett-WardIn this episode, Edmund Barnett-Ward joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley for an in-depth conversation about the state of Ofsted and school accountability in England. Edmund, known for his advocacy following the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, shares his insights on the flaws in Ofsted's inspection framework, its lack of independent oversight, and the pressures it places on school leaders.
Key discussion points include:
The ineffectiveness of Ofsted's "tinkering" reforms and its continued focus on judgment rather than improvement.
The urgent need for an independent complaints process to ensure fairness and accountability.
The harmful impact...2025-02-2135 minJoining the DotsEpisode 6 with Mark MartinIn this episode of Join the Dots, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop are joined by Mark Martin (The Urban Teacher, Assistant Professor of Computer Science & Education Practice) for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving role of technology, AI, and EdTech in education. The conversation explores how schools can meaningfully integrate AI, the pitfalls of EdTech procurement, and why low-tech solutions might be the future of innovation in education. They also highlight the importance of questioning AI biases and ensuring that technology is a tool for real-world problem-solving rather than a quick fix for systemic educational challenges.
Key...2025-02-1736 minJoining the DotsEpisode 5 with Dave McPartlinIn this inspiring episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley discuss with Dave McPartlin what it really takes to run a school that puts children and community first—often in spite of rigid frameworks and outdated policies.
From racing office chairs down school corridors to taking students to New York, Dave shares how his school, Flakefleet Primary, is pushing boundaries to give children life-changing experiences while tackling rising deprivation, overstretched SEND support, and the relentless pressures on our schools.
In the conversation we tackle:
✔ The broken school funding system and why it needs urgent reform
...2025-02-0736 minJoining the DotsEpisode 4 with John SibbaldEmpowering Digital Skills & Agency in Education with John Sibbald🎙️
In this episode, Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley sit down with John Sibbald to explore the transformative work happening in Greater Manchester around digital skills, project-based learning, and industry engagement in schools. John shares insights on the MBAC initiative, which bridges the gap between education and employment, ensuring young people gain relevant digital skills and a line of sight to good jobs.
We discuss:
✅ The digital agency approach – integrating digital skills across the curriculum
✅ How employers are collaborating with schools to bring learning to life...2025-02-0342 minJoining the DotsEpisode 3 with Martyn CollinsBridging Education, Industry, and Technology with Brilliant
In this episode, Martyn Collins, founder of the Brilliant Festival, joins Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley to discuss the festival's mission and its growing impact on the education sector. Brilliant was created to address the talent and skills gap between industry and education, fostering collaboration among educators, technology innovators, and businesses. Martyn shares insights on the unique approach of Brilliant, including its emphasis on supporting teachers, promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, and preparing students for the evolving demands of the workforce.
Key topics include:2025-01-2642 minJoining the DotsEpisode 2 with Daniel SawkoEpisode 2 of the "Joining the Dots" Podcast, with Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley, with guest Daniel Swako CEO and Founder of Shipshape Venture Capital. Shipshape.vc is a free investor search engine that enables you to search investors and investments by topics.
There were 3 major themes that weaved throughout our conversation:
The Need for Evolution in Education: This theme dominates much of the discussion. We all agree that the current education system is outdated and needs to evolve to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
The EdTech Investment Landscape: Dan provides...2025-01-1039 minJoining the DotsEpisode 1 with Dan FitzpatrickA great inaugural episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast with the lovely Dan Fitzpatrick. We talk about education perspectives around the world, the role AI has taken in accelerating discussions around the broader education landscape, its potential for positive impact, and perspectives, as well as a broad look at what the future of education could look like. Dan also shares some insights from his upcoming book, Infinite Education.
You can find out more about Dan's book from www.infiniteeducation.ai
Hosts: Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley
2024-11-2444 min
NetSupport RadioBett 2023 - Live on Day One (Weds 29th of March)Listen back to the live NetSupport Radio broadcast from Day 1 of Bett 2023!NetSupport's CEO, Al Kingsley, kicks off the broadcast by sharing what's happening on the NetSupport stand, talking about new product updates, explaining how this year is about 'listening and learning as much as sharing' to really connect with customers, plus he explains a little about his role as Chair of a MAT.NetSupport Radio's host, Russell Prue, has some informative chats with a range of superb guests, including those from 2econd Chance, Tanzii TV, iplicit, Headteacher Chat, NovelEffect, DDMIX and Sleuth...2023-03-301h 19
RussellPrue.RADIORussell's Live Radio Show from Day One #Bett2023First broadcast live on Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 3:00pm BST.I interviewed live guests from the show-floor at Bett and bring you the very best of innovative thinkings and the sharing of good practice.Guests includedAl KingsleyCharlotte Solomon - 2nd ChanceBecky and David WatersTanzii Tv - Warm-upZak Marks - Kitt MedicalAlex Middleton - Iplicit.comJonathan & Lucy CoyKath Kersznowski - Novel EffectDave Smith - BesaMatt Jessop - Headteacher, Crosswaite CofE Primary SchoolAmy & Sarah...2023-03-301h 19