Just as we were shutting up the podcast shop for the end of the academic year, Estyn (the school inspectorate in Wales) published a thematic report on the teaching of maths in Wales's schools. It concluded that there was too much variability in the quality of teaching, and not enough subject-specific support for those teaching maths.

This reminded us in some ways of the ITV news story back in September 2024 which prompted us to turn around a rapid-reaction episode.

In this case, we decided to hold on until the new year and release a 'normal' episode featuring some expert discussion of the report and its implications. We're joined in our temporary studio by Cameron Stewart (programme leader for PGCE Secondary Maths), Sian Wickersham (PGCE primary maths specialist) and Laurence Hooper (just graduated with a PGCE in secondary maths), and they have plenty to tell us! We chose to extend a bit beyond our normal one hour limit and hope you find this useful.

You can find the Estyn report here: https://estyn.gov.wales/improvement-resources/unlocking-potential-insights-into-improving-teaching-and-leadership-in-mathematics-education/

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Recorded in studio D0.12 at Cardiff Metropolitan University's Cyncoed Campus on 24th July 2025.

What's Going On with Maths in Wales?