Rethinking the Purpose of Education

In this episode of the Joining the Dots podcast, Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with the legendary Professor Mick Waters—renowned curriculum expert and co-author of About Our Schools—to ask the big questions shaping education today.

💡 What is the true purpose of schooling in the 21st century? 📉 Are PISA rankings driving the wrong kinds of change? ⚖️ How can we restore agency to teachers—and maybe even students?

From the historic roots of curriculum design to the growing calls for “open schools” and global qualifications, the trio explore the tension between national policy and classroom reality. Mick shares candid insights on political meddling, the erosion of trust in the profession, and why it’s time to reimagine what childhood and youth should look like in today’s society.

🔥 Topics include:

• The national curriculum: prescriptive or protective?

• The rise (and risk) of data-driven accountability

• Micro-credentials, soft skills, and the future of assessment

• Lessons from Wales, the Netherlands, and the open school movement

• Why we need a national conversation on childhood itself.

In this thought-provoking episode of the "Joining the Dots" podcast, hosts Matt Jessop and Al Kingsley chat with Dr. Nick Jackson, AI expert and co-author of "The Next Words: AI and Teachers." Diving into the dynamic intersection of artificial intelligence and education, Nick challenges us to move beyond the superficial integration of AI, urging educators to fundamentally reconsider the very essence and purpose of education.

The discussion explores how AI highlights the uniquely human elements of teaching, creating urgency to redefine educational values, pedagogy, and assessment methods.

From the challenges of digital inequality and infrastructure gaps in schools, both in the UK and Australia, to practical strategies for rapidly building teacher confidence with AI, this episode calls for bold and thoughtful action.

Listen in as Nick, Al, and Matt envision a future where embracing AI not only transforms education but ensures no learner or teacher is left behind. Also check out Nick's Book "The Next Word: AI and Teachers", which you can purchase here, and Al's new Book "The Awkward Questions in Education: The Elephants in the Room from AI to Teacher Retention" which you can purchase here.

In this lively episode, hosts Al Kingsley and Matt Jessop sit down with Jonny Clark—angel investor, CEO of the not-for-profit venture firm Capital Enterprise, and a driving force across multiple UK startup scenes. Jonny shares candid views on why London-based companies often scale faster than those in the north, pointing to policy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes as bigger factors than pure “entrepreneurial spirit.”

He explains how true innovation demands stepping away from “hustle culture” clichés and focusing on real-world needs—especially in sectors like education and manufacturing, where Jonny sees enormous potential for growth if the right support structures are in place. Al and Matt draw parallels between entrepreneurship and the education sector, pressing Jonny for insights on how schools might better prepare students for rapidly shifting job markets. Jonny raises concerns that schools may be overhyping emerging technology—especially AI—without first investing in fundamental skills and infrastructure.

Still, Jonny’s optimism shines through. He champions the idea of “venture-scale thinking” beyond just London, urging entrepreneurs anywhere in the UK to set their sights on global markets. Ultimately, the conversation spotlights the interplay between policy, culture, and technology in shaping a healthier startup ecosystem—and hints at the promising future that lies ahead if education and industry learn to innovate together.