House Captains

ESF

Where leaders plot the future of education. Presented by the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English medium international education in Hong Kong.

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12 episodes
Avg 51 min
English

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S1 · E12
Wednesday · 49 min
#12 – The Evolution of the School Library
Are libraries still the heart of the school? In this episode, teacher librarian Melissa Cooper talks about the changing role of these important spaces as technology reshapes how students read, research and access information. Melissa, who works at ESF Renaissance College, reflects that a shared passion for stories continues to bring students together in her library, whether they are reading physical books, comics or listening to audiobooks. She considers how reading for pleasure can build empathy in children and inspire conversations between children and adults, while highlighting the role parents can play in nurturing a love of reading at home. Excited by the wealth of information now at students’ fingertips, Melissa explores new possibilities for learning, including a “human, AI, human” approach while stressing the need for clear guardrails. She also considers the continuing importance of handwriting in slowing down and processing ideas. Looking ahead, she hopes libraries and librarians can play an increasingly pivotal role in supporting students, teachers and families in the fast-evolving education landscape. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E11
August 7 · 55 min
#11 – Josh Blue: Leading with Authenticity
What does it take to be an authentic leader in today’s world of education? In this episode, Josh Blue, Head of Education - Curriculum, Learning & Assessment at ESF, discusses why courage, vulnerability, and self-awareness are essential to creating cultures where people feel they belong. Josh explores why leaders build greater trust when they admit they do not have all the answers - and listen before setting a shared direction. He also considers how intentional leadership can transform meetings, conversations, and collaboration by designing every interaction with purpose. At the heart of this approach are courageous conversations, where mistakes become opportunities for learning rather than something to hide. Looking ahead, Josh argues that the future of leadership in schools depends on people who know themselves, are confident in who they are and what they stand for, communicate openly, and draw on the strengths of those around them. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E10
June 10 · 55 min
#10 – Kate Williams: Rhythm, Regulation and Readiness to Learn
What if rhythm and movement are not extras in education, but some of the most powerful tools we have to support children's development? In this episode, Kate Williams, Professor of Education and founder of RAMSR (Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation), examines the science of self-regulation and why music may play a far greater role in learning than we often realise. Drawing on her work as a developmental scientist, researcher, and music therapist, Kate challenges common assumptions about children's behaviour, arguing that self-regulation is not the same as compliance. She explains how children develop the ability to manage their emotions, attention, and actions, and why these skills may be among the strongest predictors of success in school and in life. Kate also discusses how learning a musical instrument can create lasting positive changes in the brain and enhance a broad range of cognitive functions. The conversation focuses as well on the power of moving in rhythm together. Kate explains how shared rhythmic experiences can strengthen connection, cooperation, and behaviour, arguing that these moments of synchrony help foster the social foundations that make learning possible. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E9
May 26 · 1 hr
#9 – Cale Birk: Making Impact Observable
What does it mean to make impact visible in schools? In this episode, Cale Birk, renowned educator, author, speaker and facilitator, explores his Observable Impact Model and the behaviours that help schools move from aspiration to action. Cale discusses how leaders can turn broad goals into clear, observable practices by asking what we would actually see if learning, engagement, leadership and collaboration were truly working well. He also reflects on the importance of building with people rather than simply seeking buy-in, arguing that curiosity, co-creation and genuine ownership create stronger school cultures. Throughout the conversation, Cale shares the tools and approaches he has developed to ensure everything we do puts students at the centre of decision-making and builds human-centred cultures where people feel known, valued and empowered to contribute. At its heart, this conversation is about defining the impact we want to have on children, then shaping the conditions that make that impact visible every day. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E8
April 15 · 54 min
#8 – Steven Allan: How One School’s Makerspace Is Challenging EdTech Assumptions
Walk into award-winning school makerspace, The Shed, and you’ll see everything from robots and sock puppets to model volcanoes and sewing projects. Most importantly, you’ll see students who are happy, curious and deeply engaged in what they are doing. In this episode, Steven Allan, Educational Technologies Lead Teacher at ESF Bradbury School, reflects on the vision behind The Shed - the space he created to ensure fun, hands-on learning stays at the heart of the curriculum. He talks about the personalised learning experiences technology can support, the strong sense of belonging fostered by The Shed, the remarkable response from parents, and how teachers are learning alongside their students as they explore new ideas and ways of thinking. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about educational technology. As Steven explains, technology in education is a tool - not a goal in itself. The real goal is equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. The learning happening in The Shed shows what is possible when this commitment comes to life. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E7
March 11 · 48 min
#7 – Anna Smakowska: Balancing Knowledge and Skills for the Future
In this thoughtful conversation, Anna Smakowska, Principal of ESF Jockey Club Sarah Roe School, reflects on the meaning of inclusion, the complexity of diverse learning needs, and the shifting balance between knowledge and skills in the fast-changing world of education. With information now easily and instantly accessible, she argues that communication, independence, and social interaction are becoming increasingly important. Yet she cautions against losing the deep knowledge – of history, context, and critical thinking – that enables young people to make sound decisions without overreliance on AI. Anna also explores why strong vision and relationships sit at the heart of a thriving school culture, and why effective leadership begins with defining the outcomes we want for children before determining the strategy to achieve them. At the heart of her approach is a simple belief: every child should feel happy, engaged and genuinely learning - a conviction that shapes how she prepares young people for life beyond school. #HouseCaptains #ESFPodcasts
S1 · E10
February 23 · 47 min
#6 – Brenda Yuen: Slowing Down to Drive Meaningful Change
Early Years teacher Brenda Yuen is a champion of change. She is excited by the transformation reshaping education and the possibilities it brings. But she also recognises a simple truth: there are only so many hours in a school day, and the life of a teacher is already full. In this episode, the Primary Years Programme Coordinator at ESF Hillside International Kindergarten reflects on leading through fast-paced change - and why there is strength in knowing when to slow down. She defines slowing down as thinking with intention: creating the time and space to focus on what will make the biggest difference for students, and what may need to change - or even stop - to make that possible. With warmth and clarity, she returns to what works in early years education: play-based learning, strong relationships, and the development of self-regulation and social-emotional skills. In a profession that never stands still, Brenda highlights the shared values and trusting culture that allow both children and staff to thrive.
S1 · E5
January 28 · 45 min
#5 – Kirun Goy: The Art and Science of Making Learning Stick
In this episode, Kirun Goy challenges educators to think differently about how learning actually takes hold in classrooms. A Harvard Leadership facilitator, keynote speaker, and co-founder and host of the BrainTool podcast, Kirun draws on behavioural and cognitive science to explore how habits, tools, and learning environments shape students’ ability to think deeply, remember clearly, and learn with confidence. He reflects on how small shifts compound over time, the need to unlearn practices that no longer serve today’s classrooms, and why educators must approach tools like AI with clarity - spending more time defining the learning problem than reaching for the technology. Fun, fascinating, and firmly rooted in brain science, this conversation offers educators fresh thinking that lingers long after the episode ends.
S1 · E4
January 16 · 57 min
#4 - Kendall Zoller: Rethinking Communication in Schools
Drawing on his global experience as an author, trainer, and researcher, Kendall Zoller explores how shifts in the way educators think, talk, and work together can directly enhance student learning. He highlights why school leadership should be as intentional with adults as teachers are with students - designing clear purposes, structures, and processes that foster meaningful communication and collaboration. With passion and humour, Kendall brings complex ideas to life, sharing insights from the Adaptive Schools framework, challenging assumptions about psychological safety, and encouraging leaders to move teams beyond their comfort zones to inspire real growth. As the author of The Choreography of Presenting, he also offers practical strategies to harness the power of verbal and nonverbal communication patterns to strengthen professional interactions. Engaging and thought-provoking, this conversation invites leaders to rethink how communication and relationships shape school culture and drive better outcomes for the whole community.
S1 · E1
Nov 21, 2025 · 41 min
#3 – Rod Field: Learning Without Limits
What happens when learning moves beyond the classroom - and far outside the comfort zone? In this episode, Rod Field, founder and CEO of Higher Ground, reflects on why creating his organisation was not simply an aspiration but a calling he felt compelled to follow. Rod shares insights from one of the projects he is most proud to lead: Limitless, ESF’s six-week experiential learning programme in rural Queensland for Year 9 students. With no digital devices, immersed in a new community, and undertaking major expeditions, students are challenged to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world problems in an unfamiliar environment. Drawing on his philosophy of following a compass, not a map, Rod explores how time, space, contrast, and reflection help build young people’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of purpose. He also considers how these principles can shape learning experiences that enable children to thrive now - and in the future.
S1 · E2
Oct 30, 2025 · 50 min
#2 - Beth Stark: Intentional Teaching for an Inclusive Future
How can thoughtful design and emerging technologies help every learner thrive? In this episode, renowned educationalist and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) expert Beth Stark reflects on how intentional approaches can create classrooms where every learner’s unique strengths and needs are supported, and each student is equipped to succeed. Drawing on her global experience, she discusses the power of small design shifts that build learner agency - and how LUDIA, an award-winning app she co-created, uses AI to help teachers reduce barriers and reimagine inclusion. With warmth and optimism, Beth considers what it means to teach in an age of limitless information and constant change, suggesting that the future of education isn’t about doing more, but about going deeper - designing learning that empowers every student.
S1 · E1
Oct 20, 2025 · 48 min
#1 - Belinda Greer: Shaping Education into the Future
Belinda Greer is in a position most education leaders would envy. As CEO of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), she leads 22 schools that are full, with long waiting lists and students who consistently achieve above the global average in their academic results. So why is she driving change? In this launch episode, Greer argues that standing still means falling behind. She sets out a bold vision for how education must evolve - embracing innovation, empowering teachers as changemakers, and staying agile to ensure students gain the knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

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