The School of School

Retrieving and replicating, Forgetting names, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Darien Allan, Mathematics Teacher at Collingwood School in British Columbia, Canada to discuss applying research from neuroscience to improve teaching and learning. What does the research tell us? How powerful is the spiral approach? Plus, Darien talks on the value of delivering lesson-openi...

Productive struggle, An algebraic expert, and more. In this episode, Adam and Robin are joined by guest Sana Malik, a Year 5 Teacher and Maths Lead from St Mary’s Primary School in Manchester, UK. What is the process like of delivering the initial problem to the class? Any tips for how journaling is structured? Plus, Sana shares a story that highlights the importance of being able to explain your...

Risky decisions, Baffled hosts, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined again by Jen Dousett to discuss the unique set-up of student centred decision making at Collingwood School, British Columbia. What is it like with pupils only learning one course at a time? What’s the 2-5-1 model? Plus, find out which famous park a class of Collingwood students got to work from.

Reflective students, Well-prepared engineers and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam find out more about Competency-based Learning from special guest Jen Dousett, Director of Teaching, Learning and Innovation at Collingwood School in British Columbia, Canada. What exactly is Competency-based Learning? How do students react to it? Plus, Jen speaks on how she communicated this new learning s...

Richard Dufour, Research galore, and more. In this episode, Andy and Robin are joined by Rosie Ross to talk about Lesson Study, Coaching, and Professional Development. What should a Maths Subject Leader be doing in terms of coaching? Do some schools struggle to see training as an investment? Plus, Rosie speaks on the challenge of shifting the culture of a school.

Miniature necklaces, Design details, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam share how the Maths — No Problem! Primary Series builds towards Maths Mastery. How important are textbooks? Does every problem cater to all learners? Plus, the crew talk on the importance of real-life accuracy in the maths problems.

Casting doubt, Electric fences, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss what CPD is like from a trainers' perspective. What mindset does a trainer need to foster? What are some techniques they use? Plus, Adam speaks about how creating an environment of self questioning and self stretching is so important in a class.

Removal vans, Triangle trouble, and more. In this episode, Andy and Robin are joined by Rosie Ross to discuss the importance of journal writing. Are they marked? Does journal writing help kids for SATs? Plus, Rosie talks on the progression in Year 1 from a Class journal, to a Group journal, before letting the kids write their own.

In-Person Energy, Negative mindsets, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the power of good training and the importance of approaching CPD with the right mindset. What is the Zone of Proximal Development? Is it okay to say you're bad at Maths? Plus, Andy shares the importance of getting training attendees to empathise with pupils during training, by putting them in their sho...

Frontal lobes, Fight or flight, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the attitude towards not knowing things. How can we help children understand that it's okay to not know things? What teaching techniques aid deeper thinking and help to promote stronger resilience? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of knowing your success criteria.

Jiminy Cricket, Photolithography fascination, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam share stories from their school pasts that have left a memorable impact. What were some cataclysmic moments? What special talent had Adam mesmerised? Plus, find out who would would be Andy's match in terms of rebelliousness!

Pig weighing, Archaeological discoveries, and more. In this episode, Andy and Robin are joined again by Rosie Ross to discuss assessment in school. What is the goal for schools when assessing? How has assessment changed over the years? Plus, Rosie speaks on the value of sharing assessment data from Insights with parents.

Mastery misconceptions, Parents becoming pupils, and more. In this episode, Andy and Robin are joined by guest Rosie Ross from St. Bridget’s C of E Primary. How do you get SLT, parents and colleagues on board with change? Are there visible results in pupils that have experienced the maths mastery journey? Plus, Rosie shares the most frightening thing about changing the maths programme at school.

Steel plates, Finnish cuisine, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam talk about the different assessment types and how Insights can help teachers. What is Insights? What famous TIMSS question throws kids off? Plus, Andy and Adam break down the depths Insights goes into to help diagnose an individual child’s gaps and misunderstandings.

Shakespeare’s sonnets, Accepting maths as a language, and more. In this episode, Andy and Adam are joined by Jo Sawyer, this time to look at the impact of STEM sentences and mathematical vocabulary on pupils’ understanding of mathematics. What’s a STEM sentence? Can wrong language cause long lasting damage? Plus, Jo shares how new terminology can help simplify mathematical talk, rather than make i...

Fire fighting, Squash rackets, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Craig Parkinson once again to discuss coaching. What is the role of coaching? What are the differences between mentors and coaches? Plus, how many times can Andy mention the Greeks? Listen to find out!

Custard powder, Swan formations, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by the amazing Tim Oates to discuss seeing the maths in things. Do we teach the everyday maths around us enough in schools? What topic is always presented in a confusing way to children? Plus, Tim talks on the importance of rich questions that push towards helping the understanding of mathematical structure...

The Duke of Gloucester visiting, Spit shines, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined once again by guest Jo Sawyer to discuss the ingredients to make an effective lesson. What are the core elements needed? Should teachers know the learning trajectory of their pupils? Plus, Adam speaks on the value of building trust and a strong relationship with your pupils.

Cracking the Culture, Sharing highs and lows, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by the amazing Emma Potter to discuss all things collaboration in school. Does collaboration reduce workload? What ways can a teacher build a collaborative learning relationship between teacher and pupil? Plus, Andy asks Adam and Emma if they have ever made mistakes infront of their class.

The KS3 Dip, Kazakhstani practice, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by expert Tim Oates to discuss the Primary to Secondary transition. What lessons can we take from other countries around the world? How do Secondary schools deal with Primary school pupil data? Plus, Tim talks on the key factors of the nation attainment dip when moving to Secondary, and what remedies ther...

Motorbike deliveries, a cataclysmic event, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam share the Maths — No Problem! story. Why did Andy start up the company? Who were some of the key figures on the journey? Plus, Adam talks on how his training experience with the company changed the way he taught.

Didactics, Singaporean similarities, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss what Maths Mastery actually is, as well as Singapore’s history. What is the core definition of Maths Mastery? Has anyone heard of the Cockcroft Report? Plus, hear why the term ‘Singapore Maths’ doesn’t really exist.

Comparing cakes, David Attenborough, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam share why the right Early Years teaching is so important. Are teachers equipped well enough? Why should maths start at the specific age it does? Plus, Adam speaks on how difficult early misconceptions can be to address at a later age.

Entomophobia, Outdoor reading, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the benefits and potential problems of giving teachers the power to decide that it’s time to get up and play outside. Is it a risk to learning? Do schools even allow it? Plus, the crew remember positive experiences they had from play and outside learning.

Progressing up PISA, Equals sign interpretations, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined once again by Tim Oates CBE, to find out whether England is actually getting better in Maths. Has the significant need for subject knowledge specialists been recognised in policy? Has Covid been used as an excuse to revert to old-school ways of teaching? Plus, Tim takes us through the timel...