<![CDATA[Beyond the Grade]]>5c59758e-fed4-50c6-b42d-5c7ef142984aTue, 24 Mar 2026 07:01:56 +0000Captivate.fmBeyond the Gradehttps://artwork.captivate.fm/662f138f-9b2e-4183-8425-afd7edfccec4/OFG-Branding-v2-1.pngBeyond the GradeBeyond the GradeBeyond the GradeBeyond the Grade is a podcast exploring how we prepare every child for a world yet to come. The core aim for education, under the Education Act 2002, is to prepare children for the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences of later life’ but in a fast paced, ever-changing world, how do we ensure that the learners of today are prepared for the world of tomorrow? Our conversations will cover a range of important topics, including: - how children and young people find communities and connections in order to develop a sense of belonging - how they manage wellbeing and maintain positive mental health - how they find mentors and role models - the power of school culture to influence pupils' views of the world and their roles within it. Sharing ideas with inspiring individuals, Andrew Hammond, Group Director of Inclusive Learning at Outcomes First Group, will journey with the audience to explore what works, what doesn’t, and how we can truly prepare all children for the responsibilities and experiences of later life. Our host Andrew Hammond is Group Director of Inclusive Learning at Outcomes First Group. He worked as a teacher and senior leader in schools for over 25 years, serving as Headteacher in two maintained schools and two independent schools. A prolific author, Andrew has published many titles for a range of publishers and regularly keynotes at education conferences in the UK and overseas. He has four children and is very interested in the power of school culture to shape lives and build futures. For further information and to watch our episodes on YouTube, visit outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk. *Disclaimer • The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company. • We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed. • Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.https://beyond-the-grade.captivate.fmfalseserialnopodcastEpisode 5: Teaching Emotional FitnessEpisode 5: Teaching Emotional FitnessIn this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond sits down with leading parent coach Natalie Costa for a powerful conversation about what it means to raise children with emotional fitness. Together, they discuss why emotional agility is such an important skill and how emotional steadiness starts with us as adults – whether that’s a parent or teacher.

Andrew and Natalie also explore whether there’s a role for schools in helping parents become that steady presence at home and how modelling calm, connected behaviour becomes the foundation for children’s long term wellbeing.

Natalie’s mission is grounded in one guiding belief: when parents feel more steady and supported, children grow up feeling safer, more connected, and emotionally confident within themselves.

Listen now to discover what it really takes to raise a generation of connected humans.

For further information, visit Let’s raise a generation of connected humans | Natalie Costa

Follow us on LinkedIn.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>In this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond sits down with leading parent coach Natalie Costa for a powerful conversation about what it means to raise children with emotional fitness. Together, they discuss why emotional agility is such an important skill and how emotional steadiness starts with us as adults – whether that’s a parent or teacher.

Andrew and Natalie also explore whether there’s a role for schools in helping parents become that steady presence at home and how modelling calm, connected behaviour becomes the foundation for children’s long term wellbeing.

Natalie’s mission is grounded in one guiding belief: when parents feel more steady and supported, children grow up feeling safer, more connected, and emotionally confident within themselves.

Listen now to discover what it really takes to raise a generation of connected humans.

For further information, visit Let’s raise a generation of connected humans | Natalie Costa

Follow us on LinkedIn.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>c05a0096-949a-4516-a118-0fc81fa8e807Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +000050:47falsefull1551Episode 4: Youth work beyond the classroomEpisode 4: Youth work beyond the classroomIn this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond is joined by Alex Fairweather, CEO of Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) - a charity dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, build connections and thrive.

Together, they discuss the transformative power of youth work and the environments that shape young lives. They explore:

- how a strong sense of community can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, providing a space where they feel safe and able to be themselves.

- how youth work principles can complement and enrich the school experience, providing support beyond academic achievement.

- what it really takes to prepare young people for the world beyond the classroom,

- and the lasting impact a great teacher can have.

This episode shines a light on the environments, relationships and experiences that help young people unlock their potential both in school and far beyond it.

For further information, visit https://outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk

For further information on GMYN, visit Home - GMYN

Follow us on LinkedIn.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>In this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond is joined by Alex Fairweather, CEO of Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN) - a charity dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow in confidence, build connections and thrive.

Together, they discuss the transformative power of youth work and the environments that shape young lives. They explore:

- how a strong sense of community can change the trajectory of a young person’s life, providing a space where they feel safe and able to be themselves.

- how youth work principles can complement and enrich the school experience, providing support beyond academic achievement.

- what it really takes to prepare young people for the world beyond the classroom,

- and the lasting impact a great teacher can have.

This episode shines a light on the environments, relationships and experiences that help young people unlock their potential both in school and far beyond it.

For further information, visit https://outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk

For further information on GMYN, visit Home - GMYN

Follow us on LinkedIn.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>c9f41fff-02d0-46b0-9e43-c9d79ef81d78Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +000036:56falsefull1441Episode 3: Tailored leadership in action: Javeno McLean on inclusion, mentorship and unlocking potentialEpisode 3: Tailored leadership in action: Javeno McLean on inclusion, mentorship and unlocking potentialIn this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond sits down with Pride of Britain Award winner Javeno McLean – an exercise specialist whose mission is to use fitness as a tool for empowerment, confidence and connection, particularly for people with disabilities or facing disadvantages.

Together, they explore what it means to create inclusive and supportive environments where young people can be unapologetically themselves. Javeno shares what drives his commitment, what mentorship looks like at its best, and how tailored leadership can unlock the potential in every young person.

Javeno’s work reminds us all of the importance of gratitude and the impact of creating opportunities for everyone to showcase their strength.

For further information, visit https://outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk


Follow us on LinkedIn.


Podcast produced by EY3 Media.


*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>In this episode of Beyond the Grade, Andrew Hammond sits down with Pride of Britain Award winner Javeno McLean – an exercise specialist whose mission is to use fitness as a tool for empowerment, confidence and connection, particularly for people with disabilities or facing disadvantages.

Together, they explore what it means to create inclusive and supportive environments where young people can be unapologetically themselves. Javeno shares what drives his commitment, what mentorship looks like at its best, and how tailored leadership can unlock the potential in every young person.

Javeno’s work reminds us all of the importance of gratitude and the impact of creating opportunities for everyone to showcase their strength.

For further information, visit https://outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk


Follow us on LinkedIn.


Podcast produced by EY3 Media.


*Disclaimer

• The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.

• We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.

• Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>c33af7a9-c880-40a0-83ca-96d5bd127b07Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +000037:38falsefull1331Episode 2: Mental health in an online worldEpisode 2: Mental health in an online worldWhat matters more in 2026 - memorising facts or thinking critically?

In this episode of Beyond the Grade, writer, broadcaster, and campaigner Natasha Devon joins Andrew to explore some of the biggest pressures young people face today and how schools can become the antidote.

They explore the realities of wellbeing in education, the impact of constant pressure on young minds, and the growing debate around social media bans, where Natasha breaks down why digital literacy and critical thinking may be a far more powerful solution than blocking social apps altogether.

Drawing on her extensive work in schools across the world, Natasha shares powerful insights into the tools young people need to protect their wellbeing and thrive in an online world.

For further information, visit outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk.

Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

  1. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
  2. We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.
  3. Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>What matters more in 2026 - memorising facts or thinking critically?

In this episode of Beyond the Grade, writer, broadcaster, and campaigner Natasha Devon joins Andrew to explore some of the biggest pressures young people face today and how schools can become the antidote.

They explore the realities of wellbeing in education, the impact of constant pressure on young minds, and the growing debate around social media bans, where Natasha breaks down why digital literacy and critical thinking may be a far more powerful solution than blocking social apps altogether.

Drawing on her extensive work in schools across the world, Natasha shares powerful insights into the tools young people need to protect their wellbeing and thrive in an online world.

For further information, visit outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk.

Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Podcast produced by EY3 Media.

*Disclaimer

  1. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
  2. We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.
  3. Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>6a98acfa-33ae-420b-9936-3395c0ebdc6bTue, 10 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +000035:34falsefull1221Episode 1: AI, immersive content and skills for the futureEpisode 1: AI, immersive content and skills for the futureArtificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the world at lighting speed so how do we prepare young people for a future that’s constantly evolving? What skills will matter most? And what role will immersive content and AI play in children’s learning in the classroom and beyond?

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Phil Birchnall, Senior Director of Immersive Content at Discovery Education, who brings a front-row perspective on the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Together, they explore the opportunities ahead and practical steps educators and families can take to help young people build essential future-ready skills.

For further information, visit outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk.

Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

*Disclaimer

  1. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
  2. We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.
  3. Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the world at lighting speed so how do we prepare young people for a future that’s constantly evolving? What skills will matter most? And what role will immersive content and AI play in children’s learning in the classroom and beyond?

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Phil Birchnall, Senior Director of Immersive Content at Discovery Education, who brings a front-row perspective on the rapidly changing digital landscape.

Together, they explore the opportunities ahead and practical steps educators and families can take to help young people build essential future-ready skills.

For further information, visit outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk.

Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

*Disclaimer

  1. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the company.
  2. We shall not be liable for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast or any reliance of the matters discussed.
  3. Any logos or images used in the podcast are the intellectual property of the company or its guests and may not be used commercially without permission.

]]>a9cd6db2-373c-45d0-b303-a8d81f2ebda8Mon, 26 Jan 2026 12:30:00 +000051:26falsefull1111