Literacy is not a matter of luck, postcode or chance; it’s a matter of equity, access and social justice.

In this episode of Magnify Matters, Distinguished Professor Pamela Snow, one of Australia’s leading voices in literacy, language and the science of learning, joins Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) for a conversation about what it takes to ensure every child learns to read well.

Pam reflects on the personal, professional and research journey that has shaped her national leadership in literacy, from speech pathology and brain injury rehabilitation to her advocacy for evidence-informed reading instruction and the establishment of La Trobe University’s SOLAR Lab.

As a trusted contributor to early Magnify Sandhurst conversations, Pam helps connect decades of research to the lived realities of classrooms, teachers and systems working to lift learning outcomes for every student.

In this episode, Tim and Pam explore:

• Why learning to read is a social justice issue, not an individual outcome.
• What cognitive science tells us about how children learn to read and why the debate went on for so long.
• Why the first three years of school matter more than any later intervention.
• How strong Tier 1 instruction supports both learning and wellbeing.
• The role of speech pathologists and interdisciplinary collaboration in schools.
• Why lifting teacher expertise lifts the profession itself.

Whether you’re teaching in the early years, leading a school, shaping system-wide improvement or supporting learning at home, this episode offers clear principles, grounded insight and a strong case for doing fewer things — better — for every learner.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode

• Professor Pamela Snow
• The Snow Report
• The Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab
• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across rural and regional Victoria, educating more than 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and

Neuroscientist and educator Dr Jared Cooney Horvath returns to Magnify Matters for a fast, practical check-in on what lifts learning from knowledge-rich curriculum and whole-class instruction to cutting through the noise on EdTech.

In conversation with Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning & Teaching), Jared reflects on Sandhurst’s momentum since his three-day intensive earlier this year, and also previews his new book The Digital Delusion including that now-famous Hugh Grant blurb.

Together, Tim and Jared explore:

• What knowledge-rich, low-variance looks like in real classrooms
• Why whole-class instruction builds empathy, synchrony and deeper understanding
• How background knowledge speeds new learning and boosts creativity
• Practical ways to align teachers, students and parents around the same learning language
• Where EdTech helps, where it harms, and how to keep people at the centre
• What’s next for Magnify Sandhurst in 2026.

Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a school, this episode offers clear principles, memorable stories and next steps you can use tomorrow.

Now join us as we magnify what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• LME Global
• The Digital Delusion

Dr Jared Cooney Horvath is a cognitive neuroscientist and educator with expertise in human learning, memory, and brain stimulation. He is the co-founder of LME Global, a company dedicated to bringing the Science of Learning to schools and learning communities worldwide. Jared has published four books, including the bestseller 'Stop Talking, Start Influencing', and has been featured in The New York Times, WIRED, and The Economist. Jared is passionate about bridging the gap between laboratory research and classroom practice, helping teachers and students achieve better outcomes through applied brain science.

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across rural and regional Victoria, educating more than 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and

Welcome back to Season 2 of Magnify Matters, as we explore what’s next for teachers and leaders as Magnify Sandhurst moves from launch to sustained impact.

In this episode, Kate Fogarty (Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director)and Tim Edwards (Catholic Education Sandhurst, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) look back on a big year and set the course for what’s next in Magnify Sandhurst.

From UK insights to local action, this episode maps how we "go hard, go early" and go together in 2026.

Together, Tim and Kate explore:

• What we learned from visiting high-performing UK trusts
• Why early identification and intervention matter
• Writing, spelling and literacy priorities for 2026
• Expanding Ochre beyond maths into science and strengthening a knowledge-rich pathway into secondary
• What's ahead in 2026 including syste, wide oral language screening, a tiered wellbeing curriculum and explicit culture statement for Catholic Education Sandhurst.

Whether you’re in the classroom or leading a school, season two sets out the next steps for lifting learning across the Sandhurst Diocese.

Now join us as we magnify what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• Classroom Mastery
• Knowledge Society
• Learning Made Easy
• Steplab
• Ochre
• AERO reports

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 51 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 15,490 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

It’s been just six months but the impact of Magnify Sandhurst is already clear.

In this season finale of Magnify Matters, host Kate Fogarty (Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director) is joined by Tim Edwards (Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching) and Ashley Marsh (Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding) for a wide-ranging conversation on the progress of Magnify Sandhurst across Terms 1 and 2.

From the rollout of evidence-informed programs like MultiLit, Ochre and Classroom Mastery to the introduction of Steplab and the new Source of Life curriculum, this episode unpacks what’s working, what’s changing and what’s coming next.

We also look ahead to an exciting study tour to the UK, where Catholic Education Sandhurst will visit leading multi-school systems and trusts, gathering insight to shape the future of learning across our diocese.

In this episode, we explore:

• How teachers and schools are engaging deeply with literacy, curriculum and coaching
• The shift from lesson design to intellectual preparation
• How low-variance practices are building consistency and connection
• The early signs of student learner growth and why that matters
• What Sandhurst hopes to learn from UK school systems in its next evolution

Whether you're a school leader, classroom teacher or parent curious about how system change actually works — this episode captures the momentum of Magnify and the shared commitment behind it.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters in education.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• Classroom Mastery
• Knowledge Society
• Learning Made Easy
• Steplab
• Ochre

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

What are school leaders noticing as Magnify Sandhurst comes to life in our schools and classrooms?

In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Tim Edwards, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching at Catholic Education Sandhurst, sits down with Catholic Education Sandhurst Learning Leader Craig Simpson to reflect on the insights gathered from four school principals:

• Lorraine Willis, Principal, Catholic College Wodonga
• Matt Carver, Executive Principal, Saint Mary of the Angels College & St Francis Primary Nathalia
• Jasmine Ryan, Principal, St Mary’s Primary Echuca
• Alannah Darmody, Principal, St Liborius Primary Eaglehawk

Each principal shares how Magnify Sandhurst is unfolding in their school community – from clearer school expectations and positive routines to the growing impact of coaching and curriculum coherence.

In this episode, we explore:

• How consistency is building momentum and confidence among teachers
• What leaders are noticing as clarity and shared approaches take root
• The shift from individual effort to collective practice
• Why culture change is built through relationships and high standards
• What’s next for 2025 and beyond

Whether you're teaching, leading, supporting system change, or listening in as a parent, this episode captures the early impact of Magnify Sandhurst from those closest to the work.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• Classroom Mastery
• Knowledge Society
• Learning Made Easy
• Steplab
• Ochre
• Catholic College Wodonga
• Saint Mary of the Angels College Nathalia
• St Francis Primary Nathalia
• St Mary’s Primary Echuca
• St Liborius Primary Eaglehawk

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the...

Great teaching starts with calm, predictable classrooms and it doesn’t happen by chance.

In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Ashley Marsh, Assistant Director: School Improvement and Safeguarding at Catholic Education Sandhurst, is joined by Dr Tim McDonald and Sara Wiggins from Classroom Mastery, to unpack the strategies, structures and mindset shifts that create classrooms where learning thrives.

With experience spanning classroom teaching, system leadership, research, and hands-on coaching, Tim and Sara share what it takes to embed consistent, evidence-informed behaviour routines across schools, and why that work is foundational to teaching and learning.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Classroom Mastery was developed and why it's resonating across Australia.
• What makes classroom routines like “entry”, “exit” and “cue to start” so effective.
• How Catholic schools in the Sandhurst Diocese are adapting the model to their own context through Magnify Sandhurst.
• Why this work isn’t about control — it’s about consistency, belonging and the students.
• The research behind behaviour and how low-level disruptions impact achievement.

Whether you’re an early career teacher, a seasoned leader or curious parent, this episode offers practical insight, grounded expertise and real strategies for creating the conditions that allows learning to stick.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters.

Mentioned in this episode

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• Classroom Mastery
• Knowledge Society
• Australian Education Research Organisation(AERO)
• Tom Bennett
• ABC 7.30 Report - School behaviour change program for disruptive classrooms
• Explicit Direct Instruction by John Hollingsworth and Silvia Ybarra

Classroom Mastery provides leaders and teachers with the knowledge, skills and strategies they need to create classroom behaviours and school culture that foster positive learning environments for all students.

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on

Teaching a child to read is one of the most powerful things we can do.

In this episode of Magnify Matters, host Tim Edwards, Assistant Director: Learning and Teaching at Catholic Education Sandhurst, is joined by Robyn Wheldall and Iain Rothwell from MultiLit, to discuss their mission: making sure every child in every school has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.

Now celebrating its 30th year, MultiLit is one of Australia’s most trusted names in reading instruction, grounded in the science of learning, shaped by research, and focused on outcomes that matter.

In this episode, we explore:

• The story behind MultiLit’s 30-year journey — from a university research project to 6,500+ schools
• Why early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning
• How MultiLit’s tiered programs are reducing the number of struggling readers
• The importance of system-level change — and why whole-school implementation matters
• MultiLit’s work in Closing the Gap with 42 majority-Indigenous schools
• And what’s next in improving literacy in our country

Whether you're a classroom teacher, school leader, or parent invested in the future of learning, this episode offers powerful insight into the kind of instruction that transforms lives.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters.

Mentioned in this episode

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• MultiLit

MultiLit is a private company which was spun out of Macquarie University in 2006. MultiLit is a leading provider of effective literacy instruction in Australasia. Its programs are uniquely placed to be effective because they are all grounded in scientific evidence-based best practice. As a result of being a research initiative of Macquarie University, MultiLit’s publications, professional development and Literacy Centre are continually informed by an ongoing program of research. The research team is led by Emeritus Professor Kevin Wheldall AM. For three decades, MultiLit has provided assistance to thousands of students in a variety of settings, including schools, its own Literacy Centres and community-based literacy projects across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook,

Imagine if teachers were able to save time developing learning materials from scratch. Well, with the right tools and trusted content, every teacher can focus on what matters most: their students.

In this episode of Magnify Matters, we dive into curriculum design, teacher collaboration and the power of shared expertise with Caroline Reed and Dr Reid Smith, co-founders and co-CEOs of Ochre Education, a not-for-profit organisation supporting over 110,000 teachers across 90% of Australian schools.

Host Tim Edwards speaks with Caroline and Reid about how Ochre Education is working to close the disadvantage gap by providing free, high-quality, evidence-informed teaching resources, and why partnering with teachers is at the heart of it all.

In this episode, we explore:

• The origin story of Ochre Education and the values that drive its mission
• What we mean by knowledge-rich, low-variance curriculum
• How Ochre’s lesson creation process supports teachers as both experts and collaborators
• The concept of intellectual preparation, responsive teaching and supporting all learners
• Ochre’s growing partnership with Magnify Sandhurst, and the shared vision behind it.

Whether you’re a teacher, school leader or curious parent, this conversation offers deep insight into the future of curriculum and teacher development — one lesson at a time.

Now stay with us as we magnify what truly matters.

Mentioned in this episode

• Magnify Sandhurst
• Catholic Education Sandhurst
• Ochre Education

Ochre Education are a national not-for-profit committed to advancing student outcomes and closing the disadvantage gap by supporting teachers to teach and enabling all Australian students to access a high-quality curriculum, through our online library.

Ochre Education achieve this by working with a community of teachers to develop and support the use of an expertly-sequenced curriculum, alongside a comprehensive library that collects, curates and distributes free, evidence-based, quality-assured, and curriculum-linked teaching resources, to be adapted and used by any teacher anywhere.

Catholic Education Sandhurst rolled out Magnify Sandhurst, an evidence-informed, science of learning school improvement initiative, to its 51 Catholic schools across the Sandhurst Diocese at the beginning of 2025. Magnify Sandhurst focuses on how the brain learns, how literacy is effectively taught, uses a low variance, knowledge-rich curriculum and the creation of positive classrooms. Our practice is calm, predictable, and repeatable to maximise learning time in all classrooms. Magnify Sandhurst is deliberately bold and wide-ranging, generating whole-of-system improvement.

Catholic Education Sandhurst is home to 56 Catholic schools across Central and North Eastern Victoria, educating 19,750 students. We partner with schools, students and families to provide innovation and excellence in education, inspired by the Catholic story.

Visit www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and