Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 208: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we revisit some of the most impactful questions from our four most-listened episodes. From the essentials of teaching multiplication tables to the intricacies of supporting struggling readers, these conversations have shaped the way teachers approach their craft. Whether you’re new to the podcast or returning to hear these transfo...

Episode 207: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Dominic Bristow and Hannah Gillott to discuss the potential for meaningful use of AI in education. Together, we examine its promises, pitfalls, and practical applications for classroom settings. We explore: Whether AI has the power to genuinely improve teacher practice. How schools and teachers can avoid fallin...

Episode 206: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Chris Such and Zach Groshell, teacher, researcher, and advocate for evidence-based teaching. Together, we delve into explicit and direct instruction its foundations, its misconceptions, and its future in education. In this episode, we discuss: Zach’s journey into explicit teaching and how his perspective has evolved....

Episode 205: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , Elliot Morgan and I dive into what’s in store at the upcoming TDaPE London Conference on Saturday, 18th January 2025. We explore the talks, themes, and workshops that will bring together educators passionate about primary education, with practical insights to enhance teaching and learning. From mathematics to professional developm...

Episode 204: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Amy How to explore primary mathematics and how teachers can build their confidence in delivering impactful lessons. We discuss the essential areas of mathematics that help pupils develop a deep understanding, and Amy shares insights into how the Rekenrek can be used as a powerful tool to support mathematical thinking...

Episode 203: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by teacher Jake Cowling to delve into the intricacies of lesson design. Drawing on cognitive science and principles of explicit and direct instruction, we discuss how intentional lesson planning can transform teaching and learning. We explore: What lesson design really means and its role in effective teaching. The...

Episode 202: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we’re joined by primary teacher and leader, Adam Smith for a thought-provoking talk on Powerful Religious Education Set in the context of broader discussions of curriculum, Adam shares his thoughts on the place, purpose and power of religious education, as well as the thinking de does as part of his approach to the planning...

Episode 201: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we explore how to support pupils who use English as an additional language (EAL) specifically in mathematics. For EAL learners, mathematics presents unique challenges—from understanding language-heavy instructions to grasping abstract concepts. With thoughtful strategies, teachers can help these pupils thrive. We discuss: Th...

Episode 200: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I'm joined by Naomi Pilling as we dive into the world of primary art education. Art is more than a subject—it's a critical tool for self-expression and creativity. Join us as we explore how to bring this vital subject to life in the classroom, whether you're an art enthusiast or just beginning to feel your way through paint...

TDaPE Conference, London: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1033614898987?aff=oddtdtcreator Episode 199: In this special episode of  Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I take a look back at the last 100 or so episodes, revisiting some of the most thought-provoking questions from my interviews with some truly inspirational teachers. F...

Episode 198: Leadership and School Culture – with John O’Neill In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , Stuart Welsh is joined by John O’Neill, Rector of The High School of Glasgow. With nearly a decade of leadership experience at the school, John shares invaluable insights into building a positive school culture, managing change, and fostering professional growth among staff....

Episode 197: Primary Reading Simplified – with Christopher Such In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Christopher Such, author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and soon Primary Reading Simplified , as we dive into simplifying the complexities of teaching reading. Christopher shares insights from his upcoming book and reflects on the evolving a...

Episode 196: In this episode of  Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Emma Lennard and Seamus Gibbons, authors of  Sequencing the Primary Curriculum . Together, we explore how effective curriculum sequencing can make a profound difference in student learning and teacher practice. We discuss: What inspired Emma and Seamus to write  Sequencing the Primary Curriculum  and how their...

Episode 195: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I sit down with early mathematics specialist, Jo Austen, to explore the significance of early mathematics in shaping a child’s cognitive development and future learning. Jo shares his journey into early mathematics and delves into the key principles that he believes should underpin the teaching of foundational mathematics con...

Episode 194: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m honoured to be joined by Dr. Geraldine Magennis for an exploration of the ways we can support new and beginning teachers in their professional development. We discuss:  What are the main challenges and opportunities for new and beginning teachers in their CPD journey? How can new and beginning teachers access high-quality CPD t...

Episode 193: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Adam Smith and Elliot Morgan as we discuss the proposed changes to Ofsted (announced at the beginning of the week) and what this might mean for teachers and leaders in schools across the country. We explore:  Which proposed change most appeals to you? Which proposed changes could have the biggest impact on the working...

Episode 192: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Lloyd Williams Jones as we discuss effective school leadership over the short, medium and long term. We explore:  When taking on a leadership role, what should be the priority for your first 100 days in post? Namely, how should we approach our new responsibilities to give us the best chance of success? You’ve been in...

Episode 191: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Matt Stone for the second of two episodes where we explore the purpose of coaching and how we can get the most from this powerful approach to teacher professional development. We explore:  How do we (as coaches) build professional vision? What advice do you have for anyone who is keen to become a coach but doesn’t kno...

Episode 190: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Matt Stone for the first of two episodes where we explore the purpose of coaching and how we can get the most from this powerful approach to teacher professional development. We explore:  What are your guiding principles for coaching?  Some research suggests that teachers tend to describe classroom events in naive and...

Episode 189: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Chris Such and Neil Almond as we explore ‘phonics of maths’ and what this might entail for teachers and leaders alike.  We explore:  What do we think is meant by 'phonics for maths'?   Is this an apt analogy? Is it a productive one? What do you think phonics for maths should include? And in what year groups? P...

Episode 188: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Chris Such and Neil Almond for another round of answering unseen questions from listeners. Including... What is the best use of 1:1 reading time?  What is the best research paper to use to kick-off a primary maths PLC? What advancements do you expect in the way schools/teachers will use AI next year?  What are the...

Episode 187: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Kerry Conlon, Dina Khader and Richard Brashier for a live panel and an exploration of... Can all pupils attain well in mathematics?  Does 'greater depth exist' and, if so, what is it? What gives you hope for the future of mathematics education?  Bringing together inspirational teachers, we answer each of t...

Episode 186: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Curriculum and Professional Learning Lead, Anna Hackett, guides us through an exploration of the relationship between curriculum and professional development. We explore Anna's experience in developing and implementing curricula, discuss methods for incorporating teacher and student feedback, and delve into strategies for suppo...

Episode 185: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education I'm joined by Stuart Welsh (@maths180) as we explore the process of choosing a new mathematics curriculum, when it is appropriate and what we should be thinking about throughout the process. As part of the chat we discuss... What is a curriculum? Is it ever it appropriate to change curricula? What should we look at when we asses...

Episode 184: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Adam Smith, Tom Oakley, Sebastian Donath and Chris Such join me for a truly fascinating exploration of how and why we should aim to take control of our own professional development. Previously only available via Ko-Fi, this episode was recorded in December 2022 as part of the 12-hour stream for Velindre Cancer Centre but it has aged...