The School of School

Sexy curriculums, Mind-blowing stats, and more. In this episode, we’re looking forward to the upcoming general election and asking some questions: Where does all the money for schools go? What does a government minister even know about maths curriculum? Plus, why are 1 in 10 first-year teachers leaving the profession?

Sceptic starts, Impressing Ofsted, and more. Our hosts are joined by Lucy, Debbie and Alison from Langley Green Primary School in West Sussex to chat about their journey with Maths — No Problem!. Would they change anything about their implementation? How effective is the routine of their maths learning for the pupils? Plus, what are the moments for each guest that makes them think ‘we’ve cracked t...

Yoga A-Level, Self perception, and more. In this episode Louise Hoskyns-Staples joins us to share her insights on how we can improve maths engagement for girls. What learning style suits girls best? Can teaching maths in a way that benefits girls potentially jeopardise the boys? Plus, are there any differences in the male and female brains that account for how they perform in maths?

Immigration impact, Finance models, and more. Trusts, Models and Management is this week’s discussion. What are the dangers present to Multi Academy Trusts? And what is the reason for moving towards them? Plus, what new guest are we eyeing up next? Find out!

Data interpretation, the Asian factor, and more. This week we’re discussing the importance of understanding the data that comes from international studies. How influential are these studies? Why can’t certain countries just pick up any successful model? Plus, the team discuss how important cultural differences are.

Remote workers, Tripled productivity, and more. Our three remote hosts tackle this big issue and explore whether there’s a stigma with teachers working from home. How crucial is having uninterrupted time? Is there a trust issue with schools? Plus, are open door policies a worry?

Anti spoon-feeding, Maths-anxious parents, and more. Our gang are lucky to be joined by Claire Craddock from World’s End Junior School in Birmingham, as she shares how her school have made their maths programme accessible to pupils with visual impairments. What does a lesson look like? How much has to be adapted? Plus, Adam shares something in education that gets him really cross…

Underground buskers, GCSE’s at Primary, and more. Our experts are here to discuss all things Arts and Sports in School. Is there still a negativity towards learning the arts? Do core subjects get too much attention? Plus, Andy poses the question — What is the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking?

Gold stars, Chocolate-covered broccoli, and more. Our fabulous trio are here to weigh up whether gamification is taking over and whether or not it is a danger to children’s attitudes. Is the quality of the learning being overlooked? Can school attendance rewards be an issue? Plus, who turns into Max Verstappen when they enter a Go-kart?

Jaw-dropping data, Improved life-outcomes, and more. Louise Hoskyns-Staples joins the crew again to share some incredible research results. Based on SATs data gathered from Maths — No Problem! schools, Louise reveals the impact of the programme — What are the results? Plus, find out who has an ‘inner nerd’!

Parent perceptions, Egg-box ingenuity, and more. Exec Head Eliza is back! We’re thrilled to have Eliza Hollis join us again to share her experience navigating change and tough decisions as a Leader of a Federation. Is getting it right at the foundation stage the most important thing? How critical is parent buy-in? Plus, Eliza talks on the importance of developing the right culture and ethos in sch...

Behaviour tips, School trips, and more. Our hosts are here to discuss bad behaviour and threatening situations in the classroom. Are teachers trained or prepared enough for such events? Is it easier to remove the problem child from the situation or the rest of the class? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of consistency in organising children and setting the boundaries early.

Community trust, Creating a team, and more. Our trio are here to navigate this tricky topic — Teacher and Parent roles in terms of learning and responsibilities. How much should these roles cross over? How do schools with challenging circumstances manage things? Plus, the team talk of the importance of going in the right direction together, based on the sole purpose of what everything is for, the...

Grandma’s writing, Useless Skills, and more. If cursive could end up a thing of the past soon, will typing follow it into extinction due to new technological advancements? Are competencies more important than content? What other things will be left in the past? Plus, Andy shares the skills he learnt that became irrelevant… but did they really?

Guinea-pig trainees, Fraction sequencing, and more. This week the crew are joined by Louise Hoskyns-Staples. Louise has worked for the DFE, been a Head of School, an Author, a Test Writer and Developer and most currently an Educational Consultant. Sharing her Masters Thesis, the gang have some important questions for her. What was the motivation for this topic and research? Did attitudes towards t...

Snapchat lessons, Half-Listening kids, and more. It’s a hot topic, and our hosts are ready to tackle it. They’re needed for safety reasons, but are the phones too much of a distraction? What about at primary level – are kids at that age using phones? Plus, can the use of mobile phones be spun in a positive way?

School Trips, Disruptive pupils, and more. This week, we’re discussing about a group of learners that sometimes can slip under the radar. Do we forget about this group? Do we focus too much on the advanced and the struggling? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of getting to know your children.

Headline chasers, High stakes, and more. Our regular three pundits raise an interesting point – Why aren’t the policy makers held more accountable? Does the system need to change? How does a school issue grow and get escalated right to the top? Plus, find out where Feedspot.com ranks our podcast in the UK Teacher Podcast ranking.

Ah-ha moments!, Buzzing classes, and more. We are so lucky to have six guests join us in this very special episode. Wellington Prep Schools’ Roger Hitchin and Vics Lyon-Taylor have brought four amazing mathematicians along to reminisce of their primary maths experiences. Which elements of the approach resonated most with each of our special guests? What was the culture like in their class? Plus, w...

Unattractive courses, Transformational moments, and more. In this episode we discuss the impacts good CPD can have on individuals and organisations. Can CPD really be a catalyst for change? What is the most impactful move school leadership can make in terms of investing? Plus, Adam takes us through the usual three stages of thought, when the penny drops at a fractions training course.

Mixed-age management, a decade-long journey, and more. Our crew are joined by Eliza Hollis, an Executive Head who’s journey implementing maths across local village schools is nothing but inspiring. How does the mixed-age setting possibly work with 3 year groups in one class? What prompted Eliza to embark on this mission with maths? Plus, hear about Eliza’s experience with 5 inspections in one year...

Formative assessment ‘science’, Happy Ofsted, and more. Debbie Lee is back to share Overchurch Junior School’s amazing work. How do you manage pupil’s mindsets with self-assessing? Has there been noticeable and statistical improvements teaching and assessing maths like this? Plus, Debbie shares how formative assessment is managed across her school.

Using different parts of your brain, creative expression and more. Is the purpose of the Arts in school misunderstood? How important is the process of the learning the Arts in our education system? Plus, find out more about Adam's hidden artistic talents.

Perpetual change, Perpetual improvement and more. How often should change happen and what is at the heart of it? How can the government setup a system that allows for slow, gradual, continual changes. Plus, find out who should be staying out of the classroom to improve education.

Small village schools, support networks and more. What role should the Community play in the world of a teacher? How can Community help teachers cope with vulnerabilities and give them a sense of identity? Plus, learning moments for the entire group.