Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

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.

In this enlightening discussion, Matthias Maurer, an education advisor for Welsh medium education, dives into the complexities of teaching Welsh in English-medium primary schools. He explores the importance of bilingual immersion, effective teaching methods, and engaging cultural contexts. Maurer also addresses the fascinating link between language learning and personal identity, highlighting how different languages can reshape one’s personality. With insights on language policy and practical strategies for teachers, this conversation is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about multilingual education.

Jon Cripwell, Primary Maths National Education Lead at Twinkl, shares his journey from maths anxiety to becoming a passionate advocate for the subject. He delves into the importance of empathy in leadership and how it can transform teaching practices. The discussion covers strategies for supporting anxious teachers, fostering meaningful CPD, and the significance of teacher ownership in curriculum change. Jon highlights the need for patience and collaboration to navigate challenges in math instruction, ensuring sustainable educational growth.

In this engaging conversation, Pete Mattock, author of Visible Maths and a seasoned educator, shares his insights on conceptual understanding in mathematics. He discusses the importance of fostering a strong foundation through logical consistency, highlighting the nuances of teaching fractions and integers. Pete emphasizes coherence in mathematical structures, illustrating how this enhances comprehension. The discussion also explores the significance of evolving educational materials, drawing from international perspectives, particularly Shanghai, to improve pedagogy.