How should we educate our kids? with Katharine Birbalsingh - The Shape of Dialogue #46

About this episode

Katharine Birbalsingh discusses educational standards and her experiences in teaching at Michaela Community School.

Katharine Birbalsingh, CBE, is the Headmistress and co-founder of Michaela Community School in Wembley, London. She was Chair of the Social Mobility Commission from 2021 to 2023. Michaela School is renowned for its high standards of behaviour and academic achievement, knowledge curriculum and teaching of kindness and gratitude. In 2017, Ofsted graded the school as ‘Outstanding’ in every category. In 2022, almost 75% of all GCSEs were graded 9 to 7 (A* to A). 98% of pupils achieved a 4+ (C or above) in both English and Maths, with 99% of all pupils achieving grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in at least 5 subjects. Katharine read Philosophy and Modern Languages at the University of Oxford and has always taught in inner London. She has made numerous appearances on television and radio and has written for several UK publications. Katharine has written 2 books and edited 2 more, including The Power of Culture (published in June 2020). Katharine was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours by the Queen. https://michaela.education/

People in this episode

Host: Michael Goldwater

Guest: Katharine Birbalsingh

Topics covered

• education
• child development
• academic achievement
• social mobility
• philosophy
• teaching methods

Keywords

• education
• Michaela Community School
• Katharine Birbalsingh
• academic achievement
• social mobility
• teaching
• philosophy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Michaela Community School, Social Mobility Commission

Books & works: The Power of Culture

Places: Wembley, London

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