Thinking Deeply about Primary Education cover image

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 30, 2025 • 45min

Writing First, Assessment Second: A Conversation with Chris Youles

Join Chris Youles, the Assistant Head Teacher at Taipei European School and author of several teaching books, as he dives into the complexities of writing assessment. He discusses how current assessment systems often disconnect from effective teaching practices. Chris advocates for a storytelling approach that enhances engagement and understanding. He emphasizes the need for teachers to enrich their subject knowledge and offers practical advice for transforming writing instruction, moving beyond rigid assessments to a more holistic framework.
undefined
Mar 22, 2025 • 52min

From Coaching to Confidence: The Power of Whole-Staff Rehearsal

In this engaging discussion, Alex Gingell, coaching development lead at Steplab and former headteacher, delves into the transformative power of whole-staff rehearsals in education. He shares insights from his journey in professional development, highlighting how coaching enhances teachers' confidence and skills. Alex emphasizes the importance of collaboration, practical pitfalls to avoid, and the joy of honing teaching strategies. His perspective on building a rehearsal culture in schools and the impact of social media in educational research offers valuable takeaways for educators at all levels.
undefined
Mar 19, 2025 • 16min

What do schools who provide a stellar religious education offering do so well?

In this discussion, Adam Smith, a specialist in primary education, shares his insights on what makes a high-quality religious education program. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and integrating religious studies with other subjects to deepen student understanding. Smith tackles the complexities of teaching religious education, advocating for sensitive lesson planning that balances ambition with clarity. He also underscores the significance of stable leadership to enhance the effectiveness and status of religious education in schools.
undefined
Mar 15, 2025 • 32min

What's in Store at TDaPE Manchester 2025?

Anna Hackett, a leader in primary education curriculum development, shares her insights on the upcoming TDaPE Manchester Conference in 2025. The discussion highlights innovative workshops focusing on handwriting improvement, mathematics pedagogy, and literacy enhancement strategies. Exciting sessions will emphasize the integration of artificial intelligence in educational feedback. With an emphasis on professional development, the event promises to inspire educators and foster connections in the teaching community.
undefined
Mar 12, 2025 • 5min

Ausubel's concept hierarchy explained

Delve into the fascinating world of concept hierarchies and their significance in education. Discover how generalized ideas support specific knowledge, especially in subjects like biology and history. Listen as the discussion contrasts these concepts with variation theory, revealing how a solid understanding of broader categories can simplify complex ideas. Gain insights that can enhance teaching methods and improve student comprehension!
undefined
Mar 8, 2025 • 40min

Sustaining School Improvement – Leadership, Culture, and Change with Adam Lowing & Stuart Welsh

In this enlightening discussion, Adam Lowing, an expert in school leadership and sustained improvement, shares his wealth of experience. He emphasizes the critical balance between quick fixes and long-lasting changes in education. The conversation dives into how evolving leadership can foster a robust school culture essential for driving meaningful change. Adam also unveils strategies to identify potential in staff and manage resistance effectively, all while advocating for contextual planning and collaboration to ensure educational initiatives thrive.
undefined
Mar 5, 2025 • 12min

What are some high-impact, low-effort ways to improve mathematics across a school?

Stuart Welsh, an expert in mathematics education, shares insightful strategies for enhancing math teaching in schools. He discusses the power of whole class engagement using tools like mini whiteboards and colored cards. The conversation highlights structured routines and retrieval practice quizzes to boost learning with minimal effort. Welsh emphasizes memory retrieval strategies and the effective use of visualisers to support problem-solving, making mathematics both engaging and accessible for students.
undefined
Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 12min

Concreteness Fading: Bridging Procedural and Conceptual Understanding

John Jackson, a mathematics education expert, and Emma Lindley-Thompson, a primary education specialist, delve into the intricacies of bridging procedural and conceptual understanding in math. They discuss the challenges of blending concrete and abstract teaching methods, emphasizing the CPA framework and the significance of 'concreteness fading.' The duo also evaluates the effectiveness of manipulatives versus abstract symbols and stresses the importance of teacher professional development to enhance classroom practices, ultimately aiming to boost students' mathematical comprehension.
undefined
Feb 26, 2025 • 9min

How can schools embed a consistent, research-informed approach to mathematics teaching?

Discover how schools can develop a research-informed approach to mathematics teaching. Learn about the importance of consistency and a common language among educators. Explore ways to empower teachers through structured support initiatives. Delve into the benefits of collaboration, like lesson studies, that enhance student experiences. This conversation sheds light on transforming mathematics instruction while keeping teacher enthusiasm high.
undefined
Feb 22, 2025 • 46min

Disciplinary Literacy: Unlocking Deeper Learning with Juli Ryzop

Juli Ryzop, deputy head teacher at Knowledge Schools Trust, discusses the crucial role of disciplinary literacy in transforming primary education. She emphasizes how subject-specific literacy aids student engagement and comprehension. Practical strategies for embedding these concepts in classrooms are shared, highlighting the importance of guiding young learners from novice to expert in their understanding. Juli also examines the significance of crafting academic voice through appropriate language skills, ensuring educators are equipped to develop robust literacy practices across various subjects.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode