Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

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.

Dive deep into the critique of primary mathematics curricula that overemphasize counting. Explore how inconsistent teaching methods can hinder student understanding. The conversation highlights the importance of curriculum coherence and suggests practical ways to contextualize math concepts. Discover strategies for integrating flexible curriculum design to better support diverse learners. Finally, reflect on how to transform primary mathematics education into a more cohesive and meaningful experience for all students.

Sana Syed, an accomplished Early Years educator and school leader at Next Generation School in Dubai, shares her inspirational journey from classroom teacher to leader. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing a culture of trust and collaboration. Sana highlights the importance of viewing mistakes as growth opportunities and the role of continuous professional development in keeping educators motivated. Her insights are invaluable for aspiring leaders eager to impact the educational landscape positively.

Alex Fairlamb and Rachel Ball, co-authors of 'The Scaffolding Effect: Supporting All Students to Succeed', dive into effective scaffolding strategies for enhancing literacy and oracy. They discuss the importance of structured talk as a pathway to better writing and practical routines that help teachers provide support without fostering dependency. Listeners will learn how to align scaffolding with cognitive load theory and transform assessment data into actionable teaching strategies. This insightful conversation empowers educators to elevate student voices in both writing and discussions.