Episodes
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In this episode of "Learning Conversations," host Lyndal Tait discusses the nature and purpose of school education with mathematician Francis Su and Inaburra Principal James Pietsch.
Francis, a former president of the Mathematical Association of America and author of "Mathematics for Human Flourishing," emphasises the importance of mathematics for its beauty, practicality, and role in improving the human experience. He critiques the performative aspects of mathematics that often exclude people who don't see themselves as maths savvy, and advocates for a more inclusive approach that recognises various ways of being mathematical. James, also with a background in Mathematics and Psychology, highlights the cultural biases in intelligence testing and the fixed views of intelligence that can limit students' potential.
The conversation stresses the importance of struggle and perseverance, and the role of mathematics in fostering virtues like hospitality and justice. They also discuss the impact of AI on mathematics education and the need for students to develop critical thinking skills and number sense beyond learning basic arithmetic and times tables.
Speakers:
Francis Su - Author, Mathematical Explorer
Francis Su writes about the dignity of human beings and the wonder of mathematical teaching. He is the Benediktsson-Karwa Professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College and a former president of the Mathematical Association of America. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize for college math faculty, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and the New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing (2020), winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages has been termed âperhaps the most important mathematics book of our timeâ by James Tanton of the Global Math Project. It offers an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone should learn it.
âHis scholarly work can be found at his Harvey Mudd College webpage.
Dr James Pietsch â Principal Inaburra School
Dr James Pietsch became Principal of Inaburra School at the start of 2018. Prior to commencing at Inaburra, Dr Pietsch was the Dean of Professional Development and Learning at St Lukeâs Grammar School in Dee Why where he had previously been Head of Mathematics. He has also held positions as the Dean of Residents at New College at the University of NSW, and as a lecturer and tutor in educational psychology at the University of Sydney. He holds a doctorate in educational psychology and brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to his role as Principal.
James is the author of the book Character Reborn: A Philosophy of Christian Education (2018).
Lyndal Tait âLeader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School
Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachersâ job intentions and commitment.
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During their final year at Inaburra School, as they prepared for their HSC, 2023 Inaburra
School Captains, Christos Gatzastras and Sienna Thorpe sought out advice from past
graduates about their end of school experience and the opportunities they found beyond
graduation. In this âBeyond the Burraâ podcast episode, Christos and Sienna are speaking with Julian Annison, an Inaburra graduate from the Class of 2019. Julian shares his personal experience of navigating high school, study hacks that worked well for him in his final year, and the need for balance between study and relaxation.The three compare their study routines during senior school, including dedicated study time before and after school, the importance of taking breaks and giving yourself permission to recharge and reset.
Julian gives advice on time management, and how organisation and preparation are key to getting through the HSC, including learning formula and practicing past papers. He also encourages students to look beyond the final exams and seize opportunities when they present themselves.
Julian Annison â Julian is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Wollongong. His focus areas include Marketing, Public Relations and Management. He has previously worked as the Corporate and Public Affairs Officer at Hireup, Australia's largest NDIS registered provider after starting out as a Disability Support Worker.
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For Francis Su, a society without mathematical affection is like a city without concerts, parks, or museums. In this Founders Lecture, Francis will show that mathematics is an experience of the mind and, most importantly, of the heart. Su offers an inclusive vision of what mathematics is, who it is for, and how it relates to the dignity of being human.
Francis Su is a past president of the Mathematical Association of America. He earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Harvard University and is now a mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College, a science and engineering university in California. This year, he is a visiting researcher at the Sydney Maths Research Institute. In 2013, he received the Haimo Award, a nationwide teaching prize in the United States for college level teaching of maths, and in 2018 he won the Halmos-Ford writing award. His work has been featured in Quanta Magazine, Wired, and The New York Times. His book Mathematics for Human Flourishing, winner of the 2021 Euler Book Prize, has been translated into eight languages. It is an inclusive vision of what math is, who it's for, and why anyone can learn it and has been referred to as âperhaps the most important mathematics book of our timeâ.
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Lyndal Tait and Mel Clarke discuss the benefits of spending time in nature for mental and physical health. They share personal experiences and tips for incorporating nature into daily routines, highlighting the positive impact on mental health and spirituality. Mel explores how combining exercise in a natural setting can boost healthy hormone levels. She also provides insights on how to engage kids and teenagers in nature-based activities. The conversation emphasises the importance of prioritising nature in our busy lives and building a sense of ownership and investment in the natural world in order to stay connected to place.
Strategies for incorporating nature into your family life:
Plan bushwalking trips and other outdoor activities during the school holidays Visit local nature areas regularly and notice changes over time to help develop a relationship with that space Find locations tailored to your interests like beaches, waterfalls, and areas of wildlife, and visit with attention, purpose and conversation Follow bushwalking groups on social media for a variety of recommendations for walksReferences:
Welcome to Huberman Lab - www.hubermanlab.com
David George Haskell - https://dghaskell.com/theforestunseen
D.O.S.E. https://www.happyfeed.co/research/4-brain-chemicals-make-you-happy
Speakers:
Lyndal Tait âLeader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School
Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest in teacher and leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacher professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotion in teachersâ job intentions and commitment.
Mel Clarke â Inaburra Deputy Head of Senior School
Mel Clarke is a PDHPE educator with a wealth of experience in the student wellbeing space. She is a passionate advocate for physical activity and holistic health. Mel enjoys challenging individuals to push their limits and foster self-improvement and has road-tested the outdoor strategies discussed in this podcast with her three active, high-energy children. Beyond the classroom, she finds serenity and inspiration through bushwalking, merging her love for nature with her role as a citizen scientist. Her contributions to the latest Sydney Basin Koala Report highlights her commitment to environmental stewardship.
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Inaburraâs Director of Music, Jen Geering, discusses her research into the impacts of music education with recent Inaburra graduate Abbey Parkes, piano accompanist Ray Avard and host Lyndal Tait. They share their personal musical journeys and how learning an instrument shaped them over time. Insights are provided into forming community through music and how it cultivates growth and influences academic performance far beyond the classroom. Advice is also offered for parents on encouraging children to develop skills like diligence and perseverance through their music practice.
In the conversation:
Lyndal Tait âLeader of Innovation & Research K-12 Inaburra School
Lyndal is a teacher, researcher and writer with an interest leader development. She developed a passion for education and community building through the arts, teaching Music and Visual Arts in schools, conducting choirs, and facilitating art engagement projects. Lyndal has worked as a consultant in school-community engagement, and has experience in counselling, pastoral care, and professional supervision. At Inaburra she helps oversee teacherâs professional learning and also coordinates a mentoring program for new teachers and teacher practice coaches. Her current doctorate (UNSW Sydney) explores the role of emotions in teachersâ job intentions and commitment.
Jen Geering â Inaburra Director of Music K-12
Jen has been the Director of Music at Inaburra since 2017. She began her musical journey aged just five, playing the violin. Jen furthered her training at the Conservatorium High School in Sydney. She holds a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Education and has just completed her Masters in Educational Leadership at UNSW. Jen oversees Inaburra's extensive music program, which includes ensembles, tutoring and academic courses. Her postgraduate research examined factors that influence students to continue or stop playing instruments. Under her leadership, Inaburraâs music program cultivates community and supports students' well-being and lifelong appreciation of music.Ray Avard â Piano Accompanist and Retired Music Teacher
Ray is a renowned piano accompanist who began playing when he was seven. He went on to become a music teacher. Now retired, Ray still practices up to three hours a day in order to accompany many of the students in their HSC performances. With over 50 years of experience in music education, Ray has inspired countless young musicians with his passion and dedication to the craft.Abbey Parkes â Inaburra Graduate
Abbey is Inaburra Alumnus and a former School Captain. In her graduate year she was the recipient of the prestigious Elwyn Townsend Award for Commitment and Dedication to Music. Abbey began learning piano at a young age and was heavily involved in Inaburra's music program throughout her studies due to her love of performing and the close-knit community it provided. Now pursuing a career in education, Abbey continues to be active in the music space, returning to play with the school ensembles and singing at her local church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode, parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson joins Matt Tomlin and Tanya Grant to discuss practical strategies for managing children's technology use at home and how to foster open communication about devices. Justin shares insights from his own experience raising six daughters and provides tips parents can implement to set healthy boundaries, support student wellbeing, and keep children safe online through empathy and ongoing dialogue. Resources for further learning are also recommended.
Speakers:
Dr Justin Coulson
Justin is co-host and parenting expert on Channel 9's Parental Guidance, the founder of happyfamilies.com.au, and one of Australiaâs most trusted parenting experts. He holds a PhD in Positive Psychology.
Over the past decade he has helped innumerable families with his nine books about raising children, his hundreds of media appearances (including all of Australiaâs major news outlets, and even the Washington Post and the New York Times), and two viral videos that have been viewed a combined 80 million times. Justin and his wife Kylie have been married since the late 1990s and are the parents of six daughters.
Mr Matt Tomlin
Matt is the Stage 4 Director at Inaburra School which oversees Year 7 and 8. He has more than 25 yearsâ experience teaching PDHPE and Biblical Studies in High Schools. For the past 15 years he has been in welfare related roles in Independent schools. Matt currently oversees the designing and directing of wellbeing programs and procedures that support student learning and character development. He also plays a key role in welcoming, guiding and supporting new Year 7 students (and families) as they transition from primary to secondary school.Mrs Tanya Grant
Tanya is the Stage 6 Director at Inaburra School which oversees Year 11 and 12. She has more than 22 yearsâ experience teaching PDHPE to High School Students. More recently Tanya has held positions as Year Advisor with responsibility for the welfare and progress of the Senior graduating year groups as they journey through their final year of school. As Stage 6 Director she is responsible for designing and directing wellbeing programs and procedures that support student learning and character development and to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students in both proactive and reactive ways.Resources and weblinks:
Happy Families (Justin Coulson)
https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/
eSafety Commissioner
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation
https://www.accce.gov.au/
Kids Helpline
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents
Reach Out
https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/cyberbullying-and-teenagers
Additional Resources
https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/
https://rebeccasparrow.com/
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Brennan Fortier and Christian Coulberg from International Justice Mission join host Lyndal Tait to shed light on the grim reality of individuals ensnared in modern-day slavery, specifically those engaged in online scams targeting the West. Ryan Nyoum, a TAS teacher at Inaburra with a background in social work at Rough Edges, also joins the discussion. This podcast delves into human story behind human trafficking, emphasises the importance of cultivating curiosity and investigating beyond surface impressions to uncover the truth.
Show Notes
www.ijm.org
www.roughedges.org.au/
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In a world that seems to be spiralling increasingly out of control, is there a path to flourishing that rises above the chaos? The models of success we are told to chase are governed by internal desire, evaluated by external validation and surrounded by instability. There must be a better way. This presentation will set down a framework through which we can make sense of our rapidly changing world and re-envision success in a way that offers a deeper and more lasting fulfilment. Max Jeganathan is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity CPX. A former lawyer and political and policy adviser, Max was educated at the Australian National University and the University of Oxford and is undertaking a PhD in Law.
Max speaks on the intersection between faith, culture, economics, finance, technology and moral reasoning.
Max is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity CPX. A former lawyer and political and policy adviser, Max was educated at the Australian National University and the University of Oxford and is undertaking a PhD in Law.
He has spoken in businesses, universities and political institutions, including Samsung, Lego, Goldman Sachs and Amazon. He loves movies, good wine with his wife Fiona and making his kids laugh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Would you consider yourself an achievement junkie? Many high school students fear that their ATAR result will be a summary of not just their schooling career, but also their individual worth. How do we view success? Is it something we earn through our efforts and striving or as a matter of grace, or luck even? In this episode, Lyndal speaks with author and recovering achievement addict, Dr Justine Toh as well as Jess Meaco, who is a teacher of Ancient History and Inaburraâs Learning Leader of Biblical Studies, about meritocracy. The conversation explores connections between a constant striving for significance and the experience of shame, the impact of meritocracy in our educational system, and finding an antidote to achievement addiction.
Achievement Addiction
Justine Toh
https://www.koorong.com/product/achievement-addiction-re-considering-series-justine-toh_9780647531327
The Prophetic Imagination
Walter Brueggemann
https://www.koorong.com/product/the-prophetic-imagination-2nd-edition-walter-brueggemann_0800632877See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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We hear the word âcommunityâ thrown around all the time, but what actually is it and why does it matter? In this conversation, show host Lyndal Tait speaks with Dr Jen George, an expert in community and governance, about what community means and how it makes us who we are. They discuss some key principles of community and how we can build it today.
Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam - http://bowlingalone.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Lessons learnt on the sporting field often serve us well throughout life â building resilience, pushing through fatigue, turning up and accepting defeat graciously. In this episode, host Lyndal Tait speaks with Inaburraâs PDHPE teachers Simon Wadds, Matthew Tolhurst and Ashleigh OâKeefe as they reflect on the lifelong value of lessons learnt through participation in sport.
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In this episode, host Lyndal Tait speaks with Leisa Aitken and Inaburra Principal Dr James Pietsch about hope â what we understand it to be and how we can build greater hope in our own lives and in the lives of young people. The conversation explores the ways hope is seen in our coping and waiting, in our capacity to see meaningful possibilities, and in the âglimpsesâ which speak to realities that transcend the limitations of self and current circumstances.
Leisa is a Clinical Psychologist with a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Masters in Psychology (Clinical) from UNSW. She has done further training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), a type of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) which she has found extremely useful, both personally and professionally. Her post graduate training has also been in Bowen Family Systems Theory which explores couple relationships, parent child interactions, and most importantly, looking at how all of these individual relationships are part of a much bigger whole. Leisa finds this to be a wonderful framework for looking at the complexity of how relationships impact us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Hope is essential for a flourishing life but in our anxious and overwhelmed post-pandemic world, many are struggling to be hopeful. What can we do to nurture hope in ourselves and in young people?
This talk explores recent psychological research as well as the wisdom of philosophers and theologians through history on the nature of hope, what is currently hindering our experience of it, and practical strategies to foster it.
Guest speaker, Leisa Aitken, is a clinical psychologist, working in private practice. She has more than 20 years experience in counselling and also supervising in psychiatric hospitals and providing workplace support. She has spoken at many schools and churches with the aim of applying psychological research to real life dilemmas. She is about to finish a PhD on the psychology of hope, which incorporates philosophical and theological reflections of hope with her own research on hope in Australian society.Presentation: https://www.inaburra.nsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Leisa-Aitken-Podcast-Supporting-Bio.pdf
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In this episode, host Lyndal Tait speaks with Inaburraâs new leader of Learning Support, Vanessa Culbert about neurodiversity. Vanessa shares from her unique perspective as both as psychologist and teacher about how neurodiversity can be defined, the challenges it often raises for us in learning settings, and the potential superpowers of individual learners that we can tend to miss when we view neurodiversity through a deficit lens.
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What does it mean to collaborate? Why is it critical to be an effective collaborator and how can we implement collaboration in our workplace or school?
This interactive presentation by Professor Michael Anderson focuses on broadening our perspective of collaboration. Michael discusses how intentional and deliberate strategies are necessary to embed a collaborative culture in the day-to-day workings of a workplace or school.
Professor Michael Anderson is an internationally recognised educational leader in school transformation processes. He is Professor of Creativity and Arts Education in the School of Education and Social Work at The University of Sydney and Co-Director of the CREATE Centre.Michael has taught, researched and published in education and transformation for over 20 years including 17 books and 55 book chapters and journal articles. His international research and practice focus on how the 4Cs (Creativity, Critical reflection, Communication and Collaboration) can be integrated using coherent frameworks to meet the needs of 21st Century learners. Michael's most recent work emerging from his research and partnerships with schools include Transforming Education (with Miranda Jefferson, Bloomsbury, 2021) and Transforming Schools (2017).
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In this episode, host Lyndal Tait speaks with Professor Michael Anderson and Inaburra's Learning Leader of Stage and Screen Glenn Snowball, about creativity in learning. Creativity is something which is inherent in each of us, and yet certain activities we engage in can strengthen that capacity. Michael shares a global perspective on where creativity education is up to, and Glenn speaks from the viewpoint of a teacher seeking to build studentsâ creative capacity for design thinking.
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In this episode, host Lyndal Tait speaks with Inaburra School Principal, Dr James Pietsch, as well as Director of Teaching and Learning, Karen Lymn and Director of Professional Learning, Chris Smith, about Learning Character. What is it? Why is it important? and how do we foster it in our students?
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In this lecture, Greg begins with a discussion of philosophical theology as it relates to music, creation and human striving. He talks about the âseriousnessâ of the Arts, how they close in on meaning and evoke a sense of lifeâs significance.
âArt seems to get closer to the soul. Stories suggest life is more than random. Movies suggest life is more magical. Music suggests life is more significant.â
To explore the interplay between music and meaning, Greg highlights the creative work of U2âs Bono, and the Australian artist, Nick Cave.Dr Greg Clarke has spent thirty years exploring the connections between Christianity and the arts. Holding a doctorate in Literature from the University of Sydney, Greg has led university centres, media companies and charities striving to communicate Christianity in public contexts. His book The Great Bible Swindle was awarded the âAustralian Christian Book of the Yearâ in 2013.
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In this lecture, Mark gives a compelling case for the live performance as a ubiquitous form which highlights the importance of our human embodiment. He argues that art needs no justification, in the way that love needs no justification. Reflecting on a Christian theology of creation, Mark suggests that our impulse to âmake something of the worldâ, or make culture, is an impulse born out of being divine image bearers. Creativity, not as a credential, but as a gift, underpins a democratic view that all art is worth making, not just that which is extraordinary, but also ordinary talent and small audiences, since the goal is actually that of community.
Mark is currently a lecturer at SMBC. Prior to this he spent over a decade lecturing in theology and integrative studies at Excelsia College followed by a two-year stint serving as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Public Christianity. His doctoral studies focused on the theme of new creation within the book of Revelation, and his thesis, Annihilation or Renewal? The Meaning and Function of New Creation in the Book of Revelation, was published by Mohr Siebeck.
Mark is currently researching and writing on spiritual formation and the book of Revelation, representations of Jesus in contemporary culture, and the place of humility and hospitality in Christian thinking.
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In this lecture, Michael begins by looking at art as âtrue witnessâ through George Gittoesâ collection of stories and drawings of the Kibeho massacre. He reflects on how the artist sought to write âas beautifully as possibleâ in order to honour the humanity of those who suffered and explores how some âemotive regions could only be reached by drawing and paintingâ. After an historical exploration of the presence and absence of God in art over time, Michael speaks about the âhiddennessâ and revelation of God in the sufferings of Christ, suggesting that Jesus doesnât just bear witness to us as an impotent bystander standing in solidarity, but as a fellow sufferer and victim, and that this offering of Godâs presence is reflected throughout the ages in a constant aesthetic representation of beauty.
Dr Michael Jensen is a pastor, author, public commentator, and theologian. He has served as the rector in the Anglican parish of St Markâs Church, Darling Point since 2013; and was formerly a professor of theology at Moore College, Sydney. He completed a doctorate at Oxford University in 2008 and has published many books, including Martyrdom and Identity: The Self on Trial and My God, My God: Is it possible to believe anymore? He also regularly writes opinion pieces for news and media including âThe Drumâ on the ABC. Alongside Megan Powell du Toit, he co-hosts the podcast With All Due Respect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
