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Christian Schools Australia

Christian Schools Australia

By Admin

Our vision for this podcast series was a channel where we might share an engaging set of conversations with practitioners and thought-leaders, internationally, to broaden peoples’ understanding of the diverse elements which underpin Christian schooling: culture, community, formation, pedagogy, leadership and research. That listeners would start to see the blueprint lines for effective Christian schooling. That each podcast would challenge Christian educators and leaders to take the next step in forming a concrete conceptualisation of what a flourishing Christian School community is.
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S1 Episode Eighteen: Dave Stevens & Lisa Cole | Setting Students Up for Success

Christian Schools AustraliaMar 03, 2021

00:00
25:01
S5 - Ep.2: 'Not Just A Teacher' with Andrew Taylor and Ruth Conwell

S5 - Ep.2: 'Not Just A Teacher' with Andrew Taylor and Ruth Conwell

Andrew Taylor is joined by Ruth Conwell from Parklands Christian College, in the great Brisbane area of Queensland, in the latest episode of the 'Not Just a Teacher' series.


Mar 18, 202422:57
S5 - Ep.1: 'Not Just A Teacher' with Andrew Taylor and Dr Jon Eckert.

S5 - Ep.1: 'Not Just A Teacher' with Andrew Taylor and Dr Jon Eckert.

Andrew Taylor is joined by Dr Jon Eckert, in the first episode of this new series: 'Not Just a Teacher'.

Together they consider the significance of teachers and the potential impact delivered by those whose profession is in education.

Join us as we challenge the status quo, and hear stories that recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Christian educators from across Australia and the world.


Feb 29, 202420:31
S4 - Ep.2: Designing School Life

S4 - Ep.2: Designing School Life

The discussion continues in Part 2 of the Designing School Life Series: Business Planning and Finance Matters.

Ashley Penny and Matthew Green of Paynter Dixon sit and chat with Principal Geoff Peet of Maitland Christian School on their recent site development and the process of planning for growth. 


Feb 18, 202431:37
S4 - Ep.1: Designing School Life

S4 - Ep.1: Designing School Life

Ashley Penny and Matthew Green of Paynter Dixon sit and chat with Principal Geoff Peet of Maitland Christian School on their recent site development and the process of planning for growth. 


Feb 18, 202430:59
S3 - Ep.4: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Sustaining Vision

S3 - Ep.4: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Sustaining Vision

Picking up where Episode 3 left off, this latest installment calls us to ask ourselves, and the teams that we lead, how we work to sustain vision in our contexts.

In this episode we, once again, talk with Dr Brian Harris (Director) and Jennifer Argue (Executive Consultant) from AVENIR Leadership Institute continue to share from their personal experiences as leaders in education. We are reminded that leadership does not come without challenge and are encouraged to consider how hope and vision is instilled and sustained. We are called to carve out time and space to trust and listen, and have the courage to keep moving forward when times are difficult as leaders.


The challenge: 

What’s the calling of your organisation within the community and the time within which it’s called to serve? 

How will you render this imperative to be worthy of the calling you have received, and be actively involved in giving the world a better name, anticipating the world to come until Jesus returns and introducing people to him? 

Nov 25, 202234:45
S3 - Ep.3: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Instilling Hope

S3 - Ep.3: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Instilling Hope

Where Episode 2 caused us to consider the question of legacy and the importance of knowing when to pass the baton, Episode 3 takes a dive into the place of Hope in one's leadership and calling.

In this episode we talk with Dr Brian Harris (Director) and Jennifer Argue (Executive Consultant) from AVENIR Leadership Institute as they share their theology and journey of leadership in education. Together, they challenge us to think about the generational impact of leadership and the place of instilling hope in our schools and their communities. 

This episode will also ask the question of how the vision and hope that is instilled through godly leadership makes a difference for now and the long term.

Sep 27, 202232:55
S3 - Ep.2: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Inspiring Imagination

S3 - Ep.2: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Inspiring Imagination

Episode 1 provided an overview of the Framework as a whole. In Episode 2 we begin our discussion of the twelve characteristics of leadership that are embedded in the Framework: Inspiring Imagination. Leaders of vision inspire imagination and paint a picture of the future to which others aspire. 

We hear from Framework author Dr Daren Iselin and a leading architect and artist, Ian McGilvray

As a senior architect, inspiration for Ian’s many projects came from his Christian faith, the aspirations of his clients and a desire to create spaces in which they would flourish. To get the best from his team he also inspired them to be creative in design and problem solving. 

Approaching 60 this awarded architect left behind a partnership in an internationally renowned firm to complete a Masters degree in fine art. Far from being a retreat into a private passion, Ian saw the career change as an advance into a different form of cultural leadership, using art as a medium to express and inspire redemptive change, seeing and representing Godly hope at work in the subjects of his art. His insights are fascinating for all who seek to inspire and lead positive change. 

This episode will also pose questions about legacy, and the importance of knowing when to pass the baton. 


Mar 29, 202239:56
S3 - Ep.1: CSA Leadership Development Framework | Where it all begins
Feb 25, 202227:20
S2 Ep.14: Change or Suppression? A personal story | Mark Spencer and Leah Gray

S2 Ep.14: Change or Suppression? A personal story | Mark Spencer and Leah Gray

In this episode, Mark Spencer, Director of Public Policy with Christian Schools Australia, has a heart-to-heart conversation with Leah Gray and her personal experience of gender identity.

Leah grew up in a Christian home, went to church, was actively involved with her faith, but always felt a little different. She didn’t fit the traditional stereotypes for a girl and once at university began to ‘explore’.

Through lots of support, prayer and the grace of God, Leah has turned her life around and is now happily married with a little daughter of her own born earlier this year.

On this podcast we share a little of Leah’s story and how legislation like the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 passed by the Victorian Parliament on 4 February 2021 impacts people looking to live an authentic Christian life.

Oct 25, 202122:34
S2 Ep.13: Re-imagining Leadership Development for Christian Schools | Dr Darren Iselin and Andy Wolfe
Oct 01, 202128:11
S2 Ep.12: Developing a Culture of Communication | Andrew Taylor and Andrew Stone
Aug 25, 202135:05
S2 Ep.11: Looking Beyond the “Doing” of Leadership – Why Our Formation Really Matters

S2 Ep.11: Looking Beyond the “Doing” of Leadership – Why Our Formation Really Matters

It’s a tough time to be leader. With so much uncertainty and change, the wellbeing of leaders is certainly a hot topic. We’re also seeing leaders with great ability and charisma burn out or fall from grace, not from a lack of skill, but perhaps from a lack of attention to their own formation.

In this podcast we are joined by Jeff Nagle from Heritage Leaders, who will help us explore what it is that brings leaders unstuck and how we can be intentional in our spiritual and philosophical formation – rather than just focus on the “doing” of leadership. Jeff has many years of experience in the international development and not-for-profit space, is heavily invested in supporting teachers and school leaders, and has some sage advice for leading in these challenging times.

Aug 16, 202144:40
S2 Ep.10: Protections in Religious Freedom & The Impact on Education - Understanding The Australian Context

S2 Ep.10: Protections in Religious Freedom & The Impact on Education - Understanding The Australian Context

Mark Spencer, CSA Director of Public Policy, talks with Professor Nicholas Aroney, Professor of Constitutional Law at The University of Queensland and a member of the Expert Panel on Religious Freedom established by the Commonwealth Government in 2017.

Existing protections for religious freedom in Australia are discussed, and some myths about claimed protections are busted, no section 116 does not provide individual rights to religious freedom. Professor Aroney outlines simply, and in an easy to understand manner, the protections for religious freedom in international law and highlights where existing protections in Australian law fall short. He also identifies some key traps in Australian law that might not be evident to the casual reader.

This podcast is an essential primer for anybody wanting to understand the law around religious freedom in Australia.

Aug 11, 202147:14
S2 Ep.9: How to understand and positively influence school culture | Rob Loe with Ben Gibbs
Jun 16, 202126:03
S2 Ep.8: Why Religious Freedom Matters | Mark Spencer with Rohan McHugh

S2 Ep.8: Why Religious Freedom Matters | Mark Spencer with Rohan McHugh

Our Director of Public Policy, Mark Spencer, talks with Rohan McHugh, Executive Director of Freedom for Faith about religious freedom and the upcoming Religious Freedom Weekend.

Mark and Rohan talk about just some of the examples of the violation of religious freedom rights but more can be found here. They also discuss the report from a recent NSW Parliamentary inquiry. The full report is available here with a summary in our CSA Briefing.

The Religious Freedom Weekend is coming up on 11 – 13 June 2021 with full details on the website or in our Briefing which also has downloadable resources for members.

Jun 09, 202136:27
S2 Ep.7: Christian Education - Valuing Honesty, Justice and Reconciliation | Sandra Scott

S2 Ep.7: Christian Education - Valuing Honesty, Justice and Reconciliation | Sandra Scott

In this episode of the CSA Horizons Podcast series, Sandra Scott talks with Sam Cheesman, Principal of Tyndale Christian School in Strathalbyn South Australia, and Meredith Lockery, Tyndale’s Executive Director Faith and Learning, about equipping teachers for the intentional incorporation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cross-Curricula Priority into the school’s curriculum and culture. Tyndale Christian School, as part of its commitment to an excellent, inclusive and Christ-centred education, has partnered with Australians Together in a pilot program which it heartily recommends to other schools.

Key ideas shared in the podcast

  • A plea from teachers: “What do we do about AITSL 1.4 and 2.4?”
  • A partnership between Tyndale Christian School and Australians Together
  • Growing a school culture which values honesty, justice and reconciliation
  • It’s about changing mindsets and behaviours
  • It starts with intentional and strategic leadership
Jun 01, 202122:42
S2 Ep.6: Rich in Hope and Purpose - Developing a Missional and Service Mindset in Christian Schools | Sandra Scott

S2 Ep.6: Rich in Hope and Purpose - Developing a Missional and Service Mindset in Christian Schools | Sandra Scott

In this episode of the CSA Horizons Podcast series, Sandra Scott talks with Catriona Wansbrough, Principal of St Andrews Christian College in Melbourne Victoria, about the intentional positioning of a mission and service culture in her school.

Key things shared in the podcast

  • School is about more than great academic results
  • Always focus on the ‘why’: what are our end goals?
  • In a Christian school, education is ultimately for the benefit of God’s Kingdom
  • How do we build a school culture which incorporates a missional and service mindset?
  • Priorities must be reflected in a school’s documents, budget, staffing, and time allocation
  • It all starts with intentional leadership
Apr 01, 202134:08
S2 Ep.5: Revealing Jesus in the Learning Environment | Cass Pendlebury

S2 Ep.5: Revealing Jesus in the Learning Environment | Cass Pendlebury

Listen to this rich discussion on the key purpose of Christian schooling through the lens of curriculum. Cass Pendlebury hosts Peter Kilgour and Bev Christian from Avondale University College as they explore the importance of introducing Jesus to students in Christian schools and how to do that. Is it environment… is it planning… is it both?

Peter and Bev also discuss their recently published book ‘Revealing Jesus in the Learning Environment’ from Avondale Academic Press and their own personal experiences with Christian education.

Mar 30, 202120:15
S2 Ep.4: Case Study - A School Improvement Experience | Andrew Taylor

S2 Ep.4: Case Study - A School Improvement Experience | Andrew Taylor

In 2020 CSA launched the CSA Architecture School Improvement Tool. Discovery Christian College, a small school located on the coast in Central Queensland was the first school to pilot the tool. Join Andrew Taylor from CSA, Josh Counsel, Principal of Discovery Christian College and Blair Harp, Principal of Lighthouse Christian School, as they discuss the implementation of the new CSA Architecture School Improvement Tool at Discovery CC and learn from their experience.

Mar 24, 202127:49
S2 Ep.3: “Staying Mission True” : The Challenge for Christian Schools in Australia | Dr Darren Iselin and Dr Graeme Cross

S2 Ep.3: “Staying Mission True” : The Challenge for Christian Schools in Australia | Dr Darren Iselin and Dr Graeme Cross

In this episode Darren Iselin talks with Dr Graeme Cross Chief Executive Officer of the Swan Cristian Education Association (SCEA), a network of seven schools located in the Perth metropolitan area. Graeme has extensive senior leadership experience in both schools and universities and has an expert knowledge of education and the Christian schooling sector.

Over the past 60 years, the flourishing of Christian schooling across Australia has been significant and far reaching. Such growth and development has led to increasingly changing enrolment patterns in many Christian schools that present both challenges and opportunities to Christian school cultures. Graeme explores the importance of sustaining core vision within both covenantal and missional schools models of Christian schooling into the future and uses a quadrant school culture model to re-frame the conversation regarding Christian schooling in the 21stcentury. Graeme explores the challenges for both models in a contemporary age and cautions about the potential for mission drift within both models unless leaders are highly intentional about their core purpose in a rapidly changing socio-cultural setting.

Mar 16, 202129:43
S2 Ep.2: Living in (Sexual) Hope | Mark Spencer and Geoff Lin

S2 Ep.2: Living in (Sexual) Hope | Mark Spencer and Geoff Lin

Director of Public Policy Mark Spencer talks with Rev. Geoff Lin. Geoff is, amongst other roles, the SA/NT Regional Director for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) and chairs the steering committee for Living Hope SA—a ministry that supports individuals, families and churches in regards to sexuality and LGBT+ issues.*

After getting feedback on the impact of Christian schools on students in South Australian universities, Mark and Geoff talk about the work of Living Hope SA in the lives of those struggling with same-sex attraction.  Geoff unpacks some of the theology and pastoral concern around LGBT+ issues, and provides some real life examples of the care that can be provided.  They also briefly touch on the potential impact of “conversion practices” ban legislation on these sort of ministries.

During the discussion a book by the celibate same sex attracted Anglican minister, Ed Shaw is mentioned. The Plausibility Problem: The Church and Same-Sex Attraction (2015) ISBN: 9781783592067 is available from Koorong or a number of other booksellers. The Living Hope SA resources page also lists other recommended books for those seeking further reading.

*Please note: Geoff was interviewed in a personal capacity for this podcast and not as a spokesperson for either of these bodies.  The views expressed are his own.

Mar 10, 202130:47
S2 Ep.1: Developing a Research Culture in your School | Dr Rob Loe and Hugh Chilton

S2 Ep.1: Developing a Research Culture in your School | Dr Rob Loe and Hugh Chilton

In this interview with the Director of Research and Professional Learning at the Scots College, Sydney, Hugh Chilton unpacks what it means to turn a school outward. Despite deep connections to parent and church communities, schools can often become self-referential in their practice. We can do things because that's the way we've always done them. From international school collaboration to partnerships with universities and industry, Hugh and the team strive to ensure the school remains at the cutting edge, connected to the very best people and practices. Why? Because then you can turn inwards as leaders and explore, very deeply, who you are, where you are and why you’re here. Scots want their approach to be research informed, and that means plenty of piloting, prototyping and evaluation. But, more deeply, this is also a posture; a disposition where staff are relentlessly focussed on improving and evolving their classroom practice and sharing the learning with others. It requires an open-mindedness that we might be doing things wrong and as leaders, we need to model that and encourage staff, as well as students, to try new things.

Mar 03, 202127:45
S1 Episode Seventeen: New Horizons for the Christian School Association

S1 Episode Seventeen: New Horizons for the Christian School Association

This podcast explores the maturing of the Christian school movement in Australian over the past 40 years and the new horizons that lay ahead.

Dr Pampuch puts a compelling case forward that schools, to retain their Christian distinctive, must be explicit and intentional about the essential elements of Christian schooling. Schools need to adopt a fully-articulated framework and pathway to maturity to be effective both now and into the future. He explores the way associations can assist in this process through development of conceptual frameworks which are underpinned by bespoke resources and services. He also discusses the pathways to maturity that schools need to take and the way that research, advocacy, leadership development type programs can provide opportunities for schools to embrace deep value propositions. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the mobilisation of schools through joint activity hubs, becoming communities of practice, which stretch and deepen the effectiveness of each member school.

Mar 03, 202125:38
S1 Episode Eighteen: Dave Stevens & Lisa Cole | Setting Students Up for Success

S1 Episode Eighteen: Dave Stevens & Lisa Cole | Setting Students Up for Success

EPISODE 18 - HORIZON 2020 SERIES |  25 NOVEMBER, 2020

Episode Eighteen: Setting Students Up for Success

Join the conversation about "Setting Students Up for Success" with Dave Stevens, CSA Executive Officer WA, and Lisa Cole, Executive Principal, Arethusa College, QLD. Lisa is passionate about teaching and learning and seeing all students succeed. She strives to help every child know who they are, how they learn and how to work well with others. Today's discussion begins within the framework of Trauma Informed practice, and the need to understand student's "back story" (or "trauma"). The conversation touches on four areas that all educators can use to help students succeed:

  • Build relationship and develop trust.
  • Allow students to fail and try, try , try again
  • Appropriate, engaging, student focused curriculum
  • Empowerment through choice.
Mar 03, 202125:01
S1 Episode Nineteen: Dr Rob Loe & Dr Brian Harris | Theology Meets Social Science - Unpacking "Community"

S1 Episode Nineteen: Dr Rob Loe & Dr Brian Harris | Theology Meets Social Science - Unpacking "Community"

EPISODE 19 - HORIZON 2020 SERIES |  1 DECEMBER, 2020

Episode Nineteen: Theology Meets Social Science - Unpacking "Community"

Join Professor Brian Harris and Dr Rob Loe as they unpack “community” as an integrating motif in theology and a fundamental lever of flourishing schooling. Why is God at work in the world? What is God wanting to do? Harris takes his cue from the work of Stanley Grenz and argues, as Grenz did, that at the heart of the Christian message is the good news that the triune God invites us into fellowship with himself, with each other, and with all creation.

Theology meets social science in twenty packed minutes. The discussion is rich. The podcast is one not to be missed.

Mar 03, 202124:48
S1 Episode Twenty: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback Episode - Behaviour Management - Who Is Managing Which Behaviour?

S1 Episode Twenty: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback Episode - Behaviour Management - Who Is Managing Which Behaviour?

In our Summer Series, we're sharing some highlights from our 2020 podcasts, including this one on Behaviour Management.

This podcast is for every practitioner, and the principals who lead our schools. This week we discuss behaviour management with one on the UK’s leading experts. CSA’s Dave Stevens of WA, interviews Paul Dix the once difficult child, relentless teacher and now award-winning behaviour trainer. Paul has been working with the most difficult behaviours in the most challenging urban schools and colleges for the last 25 years. He founded Pivotal Education and The TBAP Trust transforming behaviour, teaching and learning in schools and colleges in the UK and internationally. His voice has echoed through many classrooms.

But, if you think this podcast is for a school other than yours, you’ve missed the point. A leading thinker in behaviour management and behaviour change, his inspirational perspectives and fascinating narratives reveal a ferocious passion for education.

Join them both as they explore tips and strategies to encourage teacher-student relationships in the classroom. From the “at risk” to the “attention rousing” – Paul explores how minor adjustments in our craft produce monumental shifts in our cultures.

Mar 03, 202134:25
S1 Episode Twenty-Two: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback episode - An Opportunity for Educational Re-set

S1 Episode Twenty-Two: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback episode - An Opportunity for Educational Re-set

This week, in our Summer Series, is a throwback to a conversation in May of 2020 between CEO of Christian Schools Australia, Dr Daniel Pampuch, and Executive Officer for Victoria and Tasmania, Dr Rob Loe, who also has a national portfolio in CSA for Organisational Culture and Community Development.

This was recorded while Rob was still in lock-down in the UK, and soon after the first wave of Covid-19 hit Australia. In this episode, Daniel reflects on the need to create stability, predictability and continuity in our school communities, particularly throughout the uncertain times of being in and out of schools and classrooms. Something to definitely reflect on as the year draws to a close.

Enjoy this though-provoking conversation, and have a Happy and Safe New Year!

Mar 03, 202123:41
S1 Episode Twenty-Three: Summer Series 20-21 | Faith in Kids (for Parents): Talking through Unbelief With Teens
Mar 03, 202101:20
S1 Episode Twenty-One: Summer Series 20-21 | The Inquisition: Advent, Epiphany, Isaiah and the earthing of Christmas
Mar 03, 202101:13
S1 Episode Twenty-Six: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback episode - New Horizons for the Christian School Association
Jan 25, 202127:08
S1 Episode Twenty-Five: Summer Series 20-21 | Faith in Kids (for Kids): Into The Unknown - Starting School Well
Jan 18, 202101:12
S1 Episode Twenty-Four: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback episode - Measuring What We Value

S1 Episode Twenty-Four: Summer Series 20-21 | Throwback episode - Measuring What We Value

This week, in our Summer Series, is a throwback to a conversation between Dr Darren Iselin, CSA’s Director for Research and Innovation, and Dr Beth Green, who is currently Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Tyndale University, Fellow of the Royal Society and a Senior Fellow and former Director of Education at Cardus, a faith-based think tank in Canada.

In this episode, Darren and Beth have a robust and insightful discussion about the importance of evidence in a quality improvement school agenda, and why it underscores the deep need to measure what we value in the current educational climate. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this episode the first time around and just know that I’ll get even more out of it this time. I hope you do too. Enjoy!

Jan 11, 202124:52
S1 Episode Sixteen: Reimagining Bible Engagement for Spiritual Formation
Nov 09, 202031:40
S1 Episode Fifteen: Illuminating our triune God in the Australian Curriculum | The God's Big Story Curriculum Journey

S1 Episode Fifteen: Illuminating our triune God in the Australian Curriculum | The God's Big Story Curriculum Journey

If you're teaching in a Christian school, this episode is for you. Keen to know how and why writing Christian curriculum requires a different approach? Cass Pendlebury, CSA EO NSW/ACT and National Curriculum, hosts this enlightening discussion with Dr Craig Murison (Christian Heritage College) about the journey of the God’s Big Story (GBS) Project. Craig and Cass discuss the origins of the GBS approach, the development of the resources with CHC to help teachers in Christian schools illuminate our triune God in the Australian Curriculum plus the future steps needed to equip teachers in the integration of Biblical Worldview and curriculum.

Nov 03, 202023:05
S1 Episode Fourteen: Investing in our social and relational capital

S1 Episode Fourteen: Investing in our social and relational capital


In this episode Rob Loe talks with Dr Graeme Cross, Chief Executive Officer of the Swan Christian Education Association based in WA. An academic, practitioner and leader, Graeme has researched and published on the social and civic development of students within Christian schools. This podcast explores the findings of his doctoral studies and unpacks his subsequent research alongside Relational Schools, where he conducted an informal qualitative inquiry into the trends observed in highly connected school communities and cultures.

But this podcast also captures some of the personal story of Graeme Cross, where this work has led him and how it has influenced his leadership of a network of schools across the state. Good relationships have to be modelled from the top down; from our principals’ networks to the classroom environments.

Oct 26, 202036:57
S1 Episode Thirteen: New Horizons in Cristian Education

S1 Episode Thirteen: New Horizons in Cristian Education

On this episode of ‘Horizon 2020’ Darren Iselin talks with Dr Deani Van Pelt, who is President of Edvance, a Christian Schools association in Canada and senior fellow at two think tanks, Cardus and the Fraser Institute. Deani has researched, presented, and published frequently on topics including school choice, school funding and school sector enrolments and her work has been regularly featured in mainstream Canadian print and broadcast media.

Christian education around the world is entering an exciting new phase of maturation, growth and development. With this maturation comes exciting new possibilities in regards to evidencing graduate outcomes, best practice, student leaning and celebrating the transformative impact that our schools provide. Deani will explore how such opportunities afford new ways of working more intentionally and collaboratively together through networking which lead to rich and important conversations that can enhance and expand the impact and influence of our schools within the wider community. Deani will stimulate your thinking regarding these exciting new horizons that can bring great hope and encouragement to the cause of Christian education.

Oct 19, 202028:13
S1 Episode Twelve: A New Agenda for Christian Schooling

S1 Episode Twelve: A New Agenda for Christian Schooling

Dr Lynn Swaner Episode Summary: A New Agenda for Christian Schooling

On this episode of ‘Horizon 2020’ Darren Iselin talks with Dr Lynn Swaner. Lynn is the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at ACSI in the United States, where she leads initiatives and develops strategies to address compelling questions and challenges facing Christian education. Dr. Swaner serves as a Cardus Senior Fellow and is the lead editor of the books MindShift: Catalyzing Change in Christian Education and PIVOT: New Directions for Christian Education.

Christian schools are constantly required to provide evidentiary data on a wide range of measures and metrics for regulation and reporting. But do we gather evidence on whether our schools are flourishing in ways that align with our core values and beliefs and whether our school cultures are distinctively Christian? Lynn will explore the importance of gathering these data for Christian school leaders and will showcase how such evidence can be used to drive a quality improvement agenda within Christian schooling. Lynn will also discuss a groundbreaking new flourishing schools culture model and survey instrument which will be of great benefit to Christian school leaders.

Oct 12, 202025:09
S1 Episode Eleven: Behaviour Management – Who is managing which Behaviour?

S1 Episode Eleven: Behaviour Management – Who is managing which Behaviour?

This podcast is for every practitioner, and the principals who lead our schools. This week we discuss behaviour management with one on the UK’s leading experts. CSA’s Dave Stevens of WA, interviews Paul Dix the once difficult child, relentless teacher and now award-winning behaviour trainer. Paul has been working with the most difficult behaviours in the most challenging urban schools and colleges for the last 25 years. He founded Pivotal Education and The TBAP Trust transforming behaviour, teaching and learning in schools and colleges in the UK and internationally. His voice has echoed through many classrooms.

But, if you think this podcast is for a school other than yours, you’ve missed the point. A leading thinker in behaviour management and behaviour change, his inspirational perspectives and fascinating narratives reveal a ferocious passion for education.

Join them both as they explore tips and strategies to encourage teacher-student relationships in the classroom. From the “at risk” to the “attention rousing” – Paul explores how minor adjustments in our craft produce monumental shifts in our cultures.

Sep 13, 202037:18
S1 Episode Ten: Exploring the link between School Improvement and Contextual Intelligence

S1 Episode Ten: Exploring the link between School Improvement and Contextual Intelligence

Matt Kutz is a Full Professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio in the College of Education and Human Development. He is a Senior Editor for two scholarly journals and is an award-winning author, researcher, and educator. He has written several books and his book on Contextual Intelligence was honored for Innovation and Cutting-Edge Perspective by the Leadership Book Awards.

Some key conversation points from this episode:

  • Contextual intelligence is the ability to take all kinds of different inputs, and simultaneously discern, interpret and act on those inputs.
  • Contextual currency – the ability to recognise multiple audiences and to recognise and understand what each audience expects of you
  • 3D Thinking Framework: Hindsight, Insight, Foresight.
Sep 03, 202027:20
S1 Episode Nine: Why Christians should be involved in Politics and the Public Square

S1 Episode Nine: Why Christians should be involved in Politics and the Public Square

On this episode of ‘Horizon 2020’ Mark Spencer talks with Dr Stephen Chavura, currently lecturer in history at Campion College, having previously lectured in political philosophy at Macquarie University.  Stephen also serves on the faculty of the Lachlan Macquarie Instituteincluding teaching in the GPS programaiming at preparing young people for university.

Whether Christians should be involved in politics and the public square is discussed, with Stephen positing that this is a key avenue for Christians to be able to ‘love thy neighbour’.  Sketching the history of the contribution of Christians to society and the changing nature of what society considers ‘the good life’ to be, Stephen argues for the continued involvement of Christian in broader social debates. Challenging stereotypes of Christians as only interested in sexual ethics and morality, Stephen demonstrates how to broach issues of religious freedom, as part of a broader range of freedoms, at your next backyard barbeque.

In preparing students for life beyond school, Stephen highlights the importance of acknowledging the worldview being taught in all schools and preparing graduates to engage with alternative worldviews.

Stephen refers briefing in the podcast to two books charting the history of Evangelical Christians in Australia, The Fountain of Public Prosperity Evangelical Christians in Australian History 1740–1914 and Attending to the National Soul Evangelical Christians in Australian History, 1914-2014both published by Monash University Publishing.

Aug 27, 202031:14
S1 Episode Eight: Measuring What We Value

S1 Episode Eight: Measuring What We Value

On this episode of ‘Horizon 2020’ Darren Iselin talks with Dr Beth Green, who is currently Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Tyndale University, Fellow of the Royal Society and a Senior Fellow and former Director of Education at Cardus, a faith-based think tank in Canada.

The importance of evidence in a quality improvement school agenda underscores why it is so important to measure what we value in the current educational climate. Landmark studies including the Cardus Education Survey seek to provide a holistic and comprehensive tool for measuring graduate outcomes and provide a mirror for schools to gather meaningful data on their programs and practice. Beth will explore how such surveys can be powerfully used to improve our Christian school communities and also highlights other exciting new projects and initiatives that seek to measure faith formation and development within our Christian schools. Beth’s wisdom, experience and intellect will inspire our thinking regarding research and gathering data on the things that matter most to our Christian school communities.

Aug 19, 202023:57
S1 Episode Seven: Flourishing schools in a secular landscape

S1 Episode Seven: Flourishing schools in a secular landscape

In an increasingly secular landscape, Christian schools have an enormous challenge in forming young people who are shaped by the Biblical story and equipped to serve the world around them. This requires a strong sense of purpose, a clear vision of flourishing individuals and schools, and healthy leadership to bring that vision alive

In this episode of ‘Horizon 2020’, Mark Ryan talks with Andy Wolfe,  Deputy Chief Education Officer for the Church of England overseeing the delivery of programmes, networks and research for their Foundation for Educational Leadership..

The Church of England educate around 1 million children in the UK and has a vision of being ‘Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good’. In this episode we meet Andy Wolfe, who helped develop that vision, and has recently co-authored a resource for leaders titled, ‘Called, Connected, Committed’. Andy will stimulate our thinking about the crucial role of Christian schools in our prevailing culture.

Jul 31, 202038:31
S1 Episode Six: the technologies and pedagogies of effective online learning

S1 Episode Six: the technologies and pedagogies of effective online learning

With schools partially shutting their doors again in Victoria, so teachers and leaders must once again face the challenge of sustaining online learning over a longer period than anyone expected. But this ought to be seen as an opportunity as well, an opportunity to reflect deeply on learning solutions and their role in the wider digital strategy of any school. Why? Because schools never really closed in the first instance. They’re not closed now. A version of school may have its door shut, but the act of teaching needs to carry on and now, more than ever, we must look to refine and perfect the technologies and pedagogies that enable that to happen remotely but also enhance face-face provision on our return.

In this episode, we meet Simon Armitage, a leader in this field internationally who explores new approaches to Mathematics teaching which have the potential to change the way we think about teaching and learning but also become a vehicle for re-imagining community engagement across the country.

Jul 22, 202031:35
S1 Episode Five: Dr Maria Varlet

S1 Episode Five: Dr Maria Varlet

The Head of Research & Innovation at CREST Education explores the possibilities afforded by this time of enforced separation, extended reflection and rapid innovation. What will we hold on to? What should we rethink and remove in this new educational era?

May 30, 202023:06
S1 Episode Four: Dr Daniel Pampuch (CEO, Christian Schools Australia)

S1 Episode Four: Dr Daniel Pampuch (CEO, Christian Schools Australia)

Recorded on the 7th May, in the midst of lock-down, Daniel reflects on the need to create stability, predictability and continuity in our school communities now students return to classroom learning and the ways in which we might listen, capture and preserve the learnings of this time and look to this moment as an opportunity for educational re-set.

May 30, 202022:34
S1 Episode Three: Sharon Pedro

S1 Episode Three: Sharon Pedro

Join Sharon Pedro, classroom teacher from a large Christian College in the heart of Victoria, as she explores what supporting students, pastorally (but virtually) looked like in lock-down and the systems, processes and structures we must now look to as we return to face-face schooling.

May 30, 202040:22
S1 Episode Two: Leah Nicholls

S1 Episode Two: Leah Nicholls

Being known is an important part of our identity and worth.  Taking the time to know someone, to learn their story has the power to change the world. In our classrooms, when we learn our students’ names, their families, their strengths and weaknesses, their hobbies, their passions - we say that they are worth knowing, and that we want to know them. How can we know differently when forced to socially distance? Join Leah Nicholls in Episode Two of our new podcast series to explore this issue.

May 30, 202036:11
S1 Episode One: Josh Dux

S1 Episode One: Josh Dux

A teacher from HOPE International School in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Josh recalls the learnings from the original Relational Teacher research with CSA back in 2017. Now teaching in a very different context, both socially and culturally, Josh explores how he is applying the work we did together back then, to the challenging environment he now finds himself in.

May 30, 202041:10