Ed Talks WA podcast series
Ed Talks WA podcast series
Join us for Ed Talks WA, a podcast series featuring inspiring and thought-provoking guests, with surprising stories and conversations that focus on the world of education.
Episode 13 explores post-secondary education pathways, with Shirley Parer
Options for students beyond secondary school have changed over the years. The Department’s Shirley Parer looks at some of the options that are now available.
Show transcript and notes. 18 November 2024.
Episode 12 celebrates World Teachers' Day, with Director General Jim Bell
In celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2024, Jim Bell shares his journey from classroom teacher to interim Director General.
Show transcript and notes. 21 October 2024.
Episode 11, with a pair of life-saving Australians of the Year
Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO share details of their ground-breaking melanoma research that is saving lives and discuss the importance of remaining safe when in the sun.
Show transcript and notes. 7 October 2024.
Episode 10 with outgoing Director General Lisa Rodgers PSM
After 6 years leading education in WA, Lisa Rodgers is moving on to the next stage of her career. Listen as she looks back at some of the challenges and triumphs of her time as the director general.
Show transcript and notes. 10 September 2024.
Episode 9 provides information and tips for families with students heading to secondary school
School psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett, provide tips to families with students who are moving into secondary school, including managing nerves during the big change and how to access support.
Episode 8 with Hockeyroo Amy Lawton
Amy dropped in on her way to the airport en route to the Paris Olympic Games. At 22, she’s competing in her second games. Bailey, 11, a star from School Sports WA and an Education Minister’s Running Challenge ambassador, helped with a few tough questions.
Episode 7 with the winners of 2023 WA Education Awards
With nominations open for the 2024 WA Education Awards, we talk to the most recent recipients of these honours. They explain why they nominated and what winning means to them, their staff, students and the whole school community. We also take a closer look at a new category for 2024, Excellence in wellbeing and learning.
Show transcript and notes. 16 July 2024.
Episode 6 with former tennis pro, turned author, Jelena Dokic
In Jelena Dokic's own words, "the least interesting thing about me is tennis". The former tennis prodigy was forced to deal with more as a young person than any one person should endure during a lifetime. And now she has found her voice through words.
Show transcript and notes. 14 May 2024.
Episode 5 with world-leading autism researcher, Professor Andrew Whitehouse
Professor Whitehouse explains 'Inklings', a life-changing program for babies aged 6-18 months who are showing early differences in social interaction and communication development. He explains that if we change the way we connect with babies, we can change their whole lives.
Show transcript and notes. 26 April 2024.
Episode 4, a 'top 10' with retiring Department executive member, Kevin O'Keefe
Kevin O'Keefe is preparing for his third and, probably, final attempt at retirement. He has spent 53 years in public education, as a teacher, principal, executive director and, more recently, as a member of the Department's corporate executive, advising on ways to improve education outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Show transcript and notes. 28 March 2024.
Episode 3 with CEO of Youth Focus, Derry Simpson
CEO of Youth Focus, Derry Simpson joined us to explain how they support WA's young people, with more than 40% of those aged 12 to 25 being diagnosed with mental health illnesses but only half those receiving help. Find out how you can help by supporting the annual Ride for Youth.
Show transcript and notes. 12 March 2024.
Episode 2 with school psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett
School psychologist consultants, Sarah Papaelias and Brendan Everett joined us to provide tips to families with younger students who are starting school for the first time, including managing nerves and accessing support.
Show transcript and notes. 26 February 2024.
Episode one with Dr Zali Yager from The Embrace Collective
Dr Zali Yager joined us to discuss the classroom program she's created so that WA teachers can help students love their bodies. She also explains how she and her team aim to help one million Australian kids with body image in just one year.
Show transcript and notes. 5 October 2023.
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You might also enjoy our Premier’s Reading Challenge podcast, Between our pages. We focus on WA stories and authors as we explore the wonderful world of books and reading. Our guests include some of our state’s most well-known and renowned authors.
Access the podcast series and information about the guests on the Premier's Reading Challenge website.