In this episode I reflect on the challenges faced by the primary education system in 2024 and offer ten reasons for possible optimism in 2025. Topics include improvements in special education, the potential of artificial intelligence in classrooms, the evolving role of patronage in schools, the impact of new educational technology, and the hope for a competent new Minister for Education. I also discuss the significance of the new primary maths curriculum, the extension of the primary language curriculum to include foreign languages, and the importance of embracing teacher diversity. I conclude with a call to return the focus of education to pedagogy rather than reducing schools to childminding services.Timestamps00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:33 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead01:48 Special Education: Challenges and Hopes07:06 The Exciting Future of Technology in Education13:04 The Patronage System in Schools18:11 Hopes for a New Minister of Education20:36 The Shift from Twitter to Instagram for Educators25:03 Social Media Exodus: From Twitter to Instagram26:13 New Primary Maths Curriculum: Hopeful Changes28:48 School Meals Program: Pros and Cons34:49 Primary Language Curriculum: Modern Foreign Languages36:19 Teacher Diversity and the Baptism Barrier43:10 Looking Forward to 2025: A Call to Action This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subscribe

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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