Jamie Oliver’s Recipe for Schools? Blend in the neuroscience
On a recent episode of The News Agents podcast, I nearly leapt out of my chair when Jamie Oliver called for teachers to be trained in understanding how our brains and minds work. I wanted to stand and applaud – because that’s exactly what I’ve dedicated my career to: helping educators and children understand their own wiring so they can learn and connect more effectively.
I’m not talking about old brain myths like VAK learning styles (the idea that each of us learns best through one of three channels – Visual, Auditory, or Kinaesthetic) or the outdated notion that some people are strictly “right-brained” while others are “left-brained.” Instead, I help teachers understand what’s really going on between the ears: why a student’s heart races before a test (it’s the same physiological arousal that fuels excitement!), how a simple breathing trick can settle a churning mind, or how a well-timed joke can help a tricky concept stick in memory. When teachers learn even a little about how the brain works, they can swap vague pep talks for practical, science-backed strategies – and the difference can be huge.
One of my favourite frameworks comes from Compassionate Mind Training (CMT), developed by Professor Paul Gilbert and Professor Frankie Maratos. It describes three systems in our brain:
- Threat – scans for danger and can hijack our attention
- Drive – pushes us towards rewards and goals
- Soothing – brings calm, safeness, and connection
If a child’s Threat system is in overdrive – for whatever reason – they won’t be able to access Drive or Soothing. CMT teaches simple exercises (like guided imagery or kind self-talk) to help balance these systems. Professor Maratos’s research shows that when teachers practise these techniques themselves, burnout reduces and classrooms feel calmer and more connected.
As Martin Seligman, often called the father of Positive Psychology, puts it:
“Psychology isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about building strengths in all areas of life.”
When teachers understand the basics of how the brain works, they’re not just delivering content—they’re nurturing more confident, resilient learners.
Here are four simple, evidence-based “brain hacks” that make a real difference:
1. Reframe Nervousness as Readiness
Our bodies don’t distinguish much between “nervous” and “excited” – both make our hearts race and our breath quicken. I teach children to pause, notice that feeling, and say, “I’m ready,” instead of, “I’m scared.” That small shift turns fear into fuel.
2. Use Humour to Lock in Learning
Humour doesn’t just make lessons more enjoyable – it can actually help students remember what they’ve learned. In a study by Gan and Balakrishnan, students who were taught using relevant, well-timed humour showed higher engagement and better understanding of the material. When we laugh, the brain releases dopamine, which supports both focus and memory. So whether it’s a pun, a cartoon, a silly analogy – or even a burst of laughter yoga – don’t underestimate the power of a laugh to make learning stick.
3. Teach Soothing Breathing
Research by Chapelle and Blairy shows that while emotions shape how we breathe, the reverse is also true – changing our breathing can shift how we feel. Teaching children (and teachers!) to practise slow, rhythmic breathing really helps. Just five steady breaths can bring the Threat system down and restore calm and focus.
4. Tap into Positive Memories
In a study by Bryan and Bryan, children who spent a few moments recalling a positive personal memory before a maths task performed better and felt more confident. It’s such a simple tool – thinking of a time you felt proud or accomplished – and it shifts the brain out of anxiety and into possibility. It’s something I encourage in the classroom before tests or tricky topics.
I’ve also put together a few short videos on breathing strategies, dealing with change, and using positive memories to support learning. Watch them here.
By weaving these small, science-backed strategies into everyday teaching, we can help children not only understand content—but also understand themselves. That’s the real gift of brain literacy: it builds self-awareness first, and empathy and resilience follow.
Let’s answer Jamie Oliver’s call and give teachers the tools to teach minds, not just subjects.
If you want to bring this all of this and more to your school my Everyday Magic training helps teachers turn brain science into everyday classroom practice.
