The Frontline podcast

Oak National Academy: We can’t let circumstances hold children back

May 13, 2020 Frontline Season 1 Episode 2
The Frontline podcast
Oak National Academy: We can’t let circumstances hold children back
Show Notes

This week we speak to the amazing David Thomas, a headteacher of a state secondary school in Norwich. David is part of a group of teachers who set up and launched Oak National Academy – an online school aiming to free up teacher time so that they can better support the most vulnerable children. To say they’ve had great success is somewhat of an understatement! David talks about the importance of routine and structure, and how education can be a way of keeping normality in children’s lives. He talks about the importance of acknowledging how children feel during a crisis, not only adults, and giving children a sense of agency by encouraging them to do something for others. Finally, he share his experience of bringing an idea to life. David says the most important thing is just getting started. Enjoy!