Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For maths curriculum questions contact us ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or via support@alta-education.com Episode 244: This week on Thinking Deeply About Primary Education, Kieran is joined by Lucy Crehan, author of Cleverlands and international education consultant. Together they explore the unique features of the curriculum in the north of Ireland, the historical and political context that shaped it, and the lessons it might hold for systems elsewhere. The conversation ranges from curriculum design and teacher autonomy to international comparisons, providing both depth and practical insights for teachers and leaders seeking to understand how education systems evolve. Whether you are interested in the north of Ireland specifically or in the broader question of what makes a curriculum effective, this episode will give you plenty to think about.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Lowing, an expert from Lead in English, breaks down the complexities of the DfE's Writing Framework. He emphasizes the need to meld technical accuracy with creative expression in writing education. They tackle the importance of handwriting for memory and how it has been affected by recent events. Adam also advocates for nurturing authentic writing experiences tailored to students, and highlights the significance of ongoing professional development for educators to balance creativity and technique effectively.

Liv Dempsey, a headteacher navigating behavior management in her first year, Tom Oakley, a deputy head with innovative systems, and Charles Bankovitz, a daily classroom teacher, share their insights. They discuss why certainty in behavior expectations is crucial, the benefits of de-escalation language, and the routines that preempt issues. The trio unpacks trauma-informed practices versus traditional methods, the importance of strong staff relationships, and the supportive culture needed to alleviate teacher stress, offering practical solutions for primary classrooms.

Jen Barker, National Director of Learning at Ormiston Academies Trust, Peps Mccrea, an expert on evidence-based practices, and Chris Such, a SEND education advocate, dive deep into making teaching inclusive. They discuss the limitations of current teaching tools and the importance of evidence-based strategies. The conversation navigates systemic challenges in education, explores the impact of cultural capital, and emphasizes practical adjustments to enhance student engagement. Their insights aim for classrooms to be 'accessible by default,' ensuring every child thrives.

In this engaging discussion, Sir Nick Gibb, the Former Minister of State for Schools in the UK, dives into his education reform journey. He highlights his commitment to evidence-based practices, addressing the 'reading wars' and the vital role of core knowledge in fostering creativity. Gibb also tackles the challenges of implementing effective policies, the importance of accountability in multiplication mastery, and the need for a balanced education that includes sports and music. His reflections on political life and the current political climate add a fascinating layer to the conversation.

Fin Wilson, an author from Impact Wales, and Jane Miller discuss the evolving educational landscapes in England and Wales. They dive into the science of reading, the significant role of cognitive science in teaching, and the challenges teachers face with new curricula. The duo emphasizes the power of visual learning through the drawing effect and shares practical strategies like the Leitner method for effective retention. Their candid conversation includes insights into navigating educational complexities and the need for collaborative approaches in refining pedagogy.

Ian Timbrell, an educational trainer and author of 'More Than Flags and Rainbows', dives deep into the practicalities of inclusive education. He discusses transforming intentions into real change, focusing on effective implementation strategies at both school and classroom levels. Topics include integrating gender identity into curricula authentically, building expertise through collaboration, and the importance of assessing LGBTQ+ support. The conversation also highlights navigating community reactions and the nuances of copyright in fostering inclusivity.

Ian Timbrell, an educator and author specializing in LGBTQ+ inclusion, shares his insights on authentic representation in schools. He discusses the need to move beyond superficial supports to create meaningful, integrated inclusivity. Misconceptions about LGBTQ+ representation are unpacked, and he offers strategies for overcoming barriers teachers face. Timbrell emphasizes the crucial role of visibility, diverse role models, and ongoing community engagement. His conversation serves as practical guidance for schools aiming to foster safe and accepting environments for all students.

Jane Considine, an education consultant with 17 years of experience, shares insights on the new national writing framework she helped create. She discusses how this framework aims to transform writing instruction in classrooms, emphasizing the urgency of improving writing standards. Topics include misconceptions around writing, practical strategies for teachers, and the importance of structured support for young writers. Jane also highlights the connection between writing and mathematics instruction, advocating for clarity and engagement in teaching methods.

For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For curriculum questions contact us ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠ or via support@alta-education.com Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdapeIn Episode 235 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we look back at three of the questions that really got me thinking in the first half of 2025. Covering themes from disciplinary literacy with Juli Ryzop, to supporting new literacy leads with Chris Such, all the way to the role of coaching in the school-improvement eco-system with Alex Gingell. It's extremely difficult to choose three questions from the hundred or so I have asked already this year but hopefully they can act as an opportunity for reflection as we all arrive at the end of the academic year.