Inaburra Insight

In this episode of Learning Conversations, Dr Andrew Martin—registered psychologist and Professor of Educational Psychology—explores the well-documented “motivation dip” that often emerges in Years 8 and 9. He unpacks the developmental, social, and academic factors contributing to this decline in engagement and explains why maintaining strong academic structure, while intentionally supporting students’ social, emotional, and extracurricular needs, is critical during this stage.
Dr Martin introduces his Motivation and Engagement Wheel, a practical framework grounded in key educational psychology theories that helps teachers translate research into classroom-ready strategies. Throughout the conversation, he emphasises the powerful link between academic motivation and social-emotional wellbeing, advocating for integrated approaches that strengthen both learning and belonging.
The discussion also highlights the role of schools in fostering community, addressing mental health, and equipping staff through targeted counselling programs and professional learning. Dr Martin outlines the principles of autonomy-supportive teaching—balancing clear structure with meaningful student agency—to enhance engagement and resilience.
Looking ahead, the episode explores the impact of generative AI on student learning, including the importance of “load reduction instruction” to ensure deep understanding in an AI-enabled world. Ultimately, this conversation centres on a shared goal: developing confident, creative young people who embrace challenge, view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and remain meaningfully engaged in their learning journey.
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Blake Johnston is a three-time world record-holding endurance athlete and mental health advocate. In 2023, Blake captured global attention by surfing non-stop for over 40 hours, catching 707 waves, and raising vital awareness for mental health. He went on to lead the World’s Biggest Paddleout, with 1,027 participants linking arms to celebrate connection and community, and most recently set another world-first by surfing over 4,000 waves at URBNSURF.
Blake is also a published author, with his debut book Swellbeing set for release on September 30, 2025, where he shares his story and the practical tools that help people not only survive life’s challenges but thrive.
In this conversation Blake shares the importance of wellbeing and resilience, particularly in the context of R U OK Day. He speaks about overcoming adversity, including his father's suicide, and emphasises the role of daily habits and community in mental health. He highlights the significance of curiosity, vulnerability, and empathy in fostering resilience.
Inaburra Insight is a podcast produced by Inaburra School. This recording was made on the land of the Dharawal people who we acknowledge as the traditional custodians. We pay our respects to their elders past and present. On this land, beliefs, knowledge and culture have been shared across many generations and it continues to be a place of teaching and learning.
** Content Warning **
This podcast talks about suicide and may be triggering for some individuals. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact one of the services below for support.
Lifeline Australia
R U OK
Beyond Blue
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Lyndal Tait hosts a conversation with Andrew Macdonald Brown, an executive coach with over 35 years experience in education, about the importance of trust in leadership. Andrew emphasises the role of coaching in enhancing leadership and team effectiveness, citing his experience in the Middle East and China. He discusses the impact of trust on team performance, referencing research by Patrick Lencioni and Harvard Business Review, which shows that high trust leads to increased engagement and productivity. He also explores the anatomy of trust, referencing Brene Brown and Daniel Goldman, and suggests strategies for building trust, such as authenticity, reliability, and empathy.
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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 “perhaps the most important mathematics book of our time” 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.
​His scholarly work can be found at his Harvey Mudd College webpage.
Dr James Pietsch – 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 Luke’s 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 –Leader 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 teachers’ 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 ‘Beyond the Burra’ 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 – 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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