Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Tom Oakley, a deputy headteacher from Bury St Edmunds, reflects on his three years in leadership. He shares powerful insights on supporting teachers through change and the importance of a well-being curriculum. Tom discusses navigating school growth, managing challenges from transitioning schools, and the significance of effective coaching. He emphasizes tailored emotional support for students and how to bridge gaps in literacy and classroom dynamics, highlighting the real needs of the school community versus ideal scenarios.

Archive 011+2: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share the lessons she learned by taking a break from the classroom to work for a company supporting schools and teachers with their mathematics professional development.Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of learning that can take place on an education sabbatical.Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen.#PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #ElementaryEducation

Will Mcloughlin, a mathematics educator and doctoral researcher, dives into the crucial topic of conceptual understanding in math education. He emphasizes the importance of clear definitions and challenges educators to move beyond rote memorization. The discussion reveals how visual tools and animations can enhance comprehension, alongside innovative strategies like worked examples and guided attention. Will shares personal anecdotes and practical tips that aim to enrich teaching practices and deepen students' mathematical connections.

Lisa Coe, a primary mathematics expert, shares her rich insights on transforming school-wide math education. She discusses effective strategies for instigating change, highlighting the importance of building relationships among educators and leaders. Lisa also dives into revamping the primary math curriculum, focusing on the need for collaboration among teachers to meet students' evolving needs. Her practical tips offer valuable guidance for both new and seasoned educators looking to enhance their classroom practices.

In this engaging discussion, Chris Such, an expert in primary education and author of 'Primary Reading Simplified', dives into literacy leadership and effective teaching strategies. He discusses the best practices for reviewing test papers to bolster student confidence. Chris also shares insights on supporting new literacy leads and emphasizes the importance of implementing structured reading routines. Additionally, he highlights the role of disciplinary reading in helping students engage with diverse texts, ensuring an inclusive and effective approach to literacy.

Archive Episode 011:In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, expert leader and education research enjoyer, Lloyd Williams-Jones returns to share the research paper he believes every primary teacher should read. More than just a recommendation, Lloyd breaks down why this paper matters, how it connects to everyday classroom practice, and what makes it so transformative for teachers at all stages of their careers.In this episode, you'll find out:Which research paper Lloyd believes is essential reading for all primary educators.How the ideas within it translate to real-world classroom impact.Why engaging with educational research is vital for professional growth in the UK, the US, and internationally.Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of research that shapes high-quality classroom practice across the globe.Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen.#PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #ElementaryEducation

Stuart Welsh, a dedicated primary teacher, joins to share his insights on designing impactful professional development for educators. He emphasizes the importance of aligning sessions with classroom challenges and educators' goals. The conversation delves into storytelling as a tool for engagement, assessing teachers' prior knowledge, and the significance of feedback through recorded teaching. Stuart also reflects on common pitfalls and highlights the need for confidence and adaptability in delivering effective professional learning that truly resonates.

Archive 010: In this archive episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we revisit a powerful response to a question about school-wide change with education leader Lloyd Williams-Jones. Lloyd explores exactly what it means - and takes - to successfully instigate and sustain meaningful change across an entire school community. Drawing from extensive leadership experience, Lloyd provides practical insights into managing school-wide improvements effectively.Whether you're an educator or school leader in the UK, US, or beyond, this episode offers invaluable guidance for creating lasting improvements in your educational environment.Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review - it helps educators worldwide discover our content. Share your feedback wherever you listen!#PrimaryEducation #SchoolLeadership #ChangeManagement #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #InternationalSchools #ElementaryEducation

Episode 224: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we bring you a special "Standing Room Only" session led by Gareth Metcalfe. Following last week's discussion, Gareth returns to walk us through the thinking and practicalities behind his project Deconstructing Word Problems.In this CPD-style talk, Gareth shares:​The rationale behind deconstructing word problems and the need for a consistent approach.​How slow reveal, minimally different examples, and visual representations can help pupils process mathematical structure more effectively.​The importance of carefully designed variation and redundant information in promoting deeper understanding.​How his classroom-tested materials are structured and how teachers can implement them meaningfully in classroomsThis episode is ideal for teachers, maths leads, and school leaders interested in deepening mathematical reasoning and improving outcomes through carefully designed problem-solving experiences.For more info, visit: https://iseemaths.com/deconwq2To watch on YouTube click hereVision page: https://www.iseemaths.com/problemsolvers/If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join the conversation over on our Discord server.

Gareth Metcalfe, a resource creator dedicated to improving math education, joins to discuss his innovative project on deconstructing word problems. He shares strategies on breaking down complex questions to enhance comprehension. Gareth emphasizes the importance of visual modeling, slow reveal tasks, and effective lesson design to create meaningful learning experiences. The conversation also covers common pitfalls teachers face when adapting word problems and offers practical insights to refine teaching methods, enabling students to develop their mathematical thinking.