Four years ago, I planted a seed. Now, it’s time to nurture its growth.

At the 2021 New Perspectives in Science Education conference, I introduced the PTD Model —a framework designed to unify three essential yet often disconnected dimensions of learning.

🔹 Pedagogy — how we teach: active, inclusive, and responsive
🔹 Technology — the tools we use, and why: purposeful, not performative
🔹 Disciplinary knowledge — the depth of what we teach, and its relevance beyond the test

What began as a forward-looking aspiration has become a foundational necessity in preparing students for an unpredictable, fast-evolving world.

Years of classroom teaching, governance, and conversations with students — who have taught me more than any textbook — have revealed one truth:

Despite using technology and following sound pedagogical strategies, students remained disengaged — not because they lacked interest or ability, but because something deeper was missing.

That moment sparked the question guiding my work ever since:
👉Is the true barrier in what we have — or in how effectively we bring it all together?

The PTD Model isn’t about adding workload — it’s about smarter alignment. When pedagogy, technology, and subject depth work in harmony, learning becomes meaningful — equipping students with lasting skills, not just short-term outcomes.

And yet, in many schools and trusts, we see one recurring pattern: Significant investment in pedagogy, but limited attention to disciplinary richness or purposeful tech.

As AI and automation reshape society, this imbalance isn’t just outdated — it’s risky.
Learners today need more than great teaching. They need a connected ecosystem that builds real-world capability.

So I leave you with this:
🔍  Are all three legs of the PTD tripod equally valued and invested in?
🔍 Where does alignment flourish in your school or trust — and where is it most needed?

About Lab to Ed Leadership

This new written-format podcast shares concise reflections and ideas at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and system-level change. Each episode is designed to prompt reflection, encourage dialogue, and inspire action — from classrooms to boardrooms.

💬Whether you’re a teacher, governor, leader, or policymaker — if you’re passionate about reimagining education — I’d love to connect and hear from you.

Because meaningful change in education doesn’t start in isolation. It starts with connection.

Join this journey to explore how the PTD Model can transform practice, unite leadership with purpose, and build school systems where every learner truly thrives. Let's connect and collaborate!

Check out the whole paper here: https://conference.pixel-online.net/NPSE/files/npse/ed0010/FP/7048-ESTR4969-FP-NPSE10.pdf