Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

From the Archives 005: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Lyn Stone and Chris Such share the thoughts on the extent to which the way the English writing system is introduced can lead to spelling difficulties. Enjoy this episode? Let us k...

Episode 212: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Kylie McKee and Hugh Williams-Jones representing Velindre Cancer Centre to explore why we were raising money for this great cause at the TDaPE London Conference. Tickets for TDaPE Manchester can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1132191919509?aff...

From the Archives 004: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Neil Almond and Chris Such share the thoughts on the extent to which is English orthography a representation of spoken language and what this means in the classroom. Enjoy thi...

Episode 211: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by John Jackson and Emma Lindley-Thompson from Ambition Institute to explore interleaving practice in mathematics lessons. Drawing on their expert edit, Helping Pupils Learn Maths , and insights from a seminal study, we dive into how interleaving can transform the way students engage with and retain mathematical concept...

From the Archives 003: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Lloyd Williams-Jones and Chris Such share the thoughts on summative assessments thanks to a question from a listener. Enjoy this episode? Let us know in the comments, wherever you...

From the Archives 002: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Lisa Coe shares the four most prominent features of her mathematics lessons. If you're looking for the full episode, it's (S1,E2) Mathematics Subject Leadership with Lisa Coe and...

Episode 210: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I'm joined by primary teacher, Charle Benkowitz, as we delve into the teaching of modern foreign languages in UK schools. From systemic differences with European neighbours to the broader purpose of language learning, this episode offers insights into how we can elevate language education for primary students. We discuss: How UK s...

From the Archives 001: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education we're diving into the archives to retrieve some of the most inspirational responses to questions posed over the last few years. This week, Lloyd Williams Jones shares the four most prominent features of his lessons, along with his thoughts on effective teaching. This was the very first question I asked on TDaPE and I...

Episode 209: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we revisit three of the most impactful questions from some of our most-listened episodes of 2024. Covering essential topics like the role of background knowledge in reading, effective spelling instruction, and the power of modelling, this episode provides interesting perspectives on the fundamentals of great teaching. If you’re lo...

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...