
Thinking Deeply about Primary Education
Welcome to Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, the podcast that gives you a peek inside the minds of some truly inspirational primary teachers. Whether you're new to the profession or a school leader with tons of experience this podcast is a must listen. For references, links and extended cut video episodes head over to www.thinkingdeeply.info
Latest episodes

Nov 5, 2022 • 58min
Problem Solving with Gareth Metcalfe (Part Two)
Episode 97: This week on TDaPE, almost exactly a year since the last time, get ready to continue our exploration of mathematical problem solving with Gareth Metcalfe. What does problem solving look like in lesson? Is there ever a reason to ask pupils to struggle on a problem they won't be able to answer? How can we place problem solving at the heart of what we do? We answer these questions and much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one...
Subscribe to the TDaPE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RLzsG-mznn1U_tZc8P4-Q/playlists
Support TDaPE: www.ko-fi.com/tdape (New* Episode 100 blooper reel now available to Ko-Fi subscribers)

Oct 29, 2022 • 1h 23min
Primary History with Stuart Tiffany
Stuart Tiffany, a primary history expert, dives into the essential role and impact of history education for young learners. He emphasizes the complexities of teaching history, discussing the importance of narrative and ethical considerations. The chat highlights innovative teaching methods and diverse perspectives that enrich classroom discussions. Stuart also explores the significance of context in interpreting historical artifacts and the need for critical thinking in history education.

7 snips
Oct 22, 2022 • 1h 17min
(S5,E8) Mathematics, Research and More with Craig Barton
Episode 95: In what seems like the blink of an eye, Term 1 is in the rearview mirror and we’ve arrived at the end of Season 5. But fret not, because I have a wonderful Finale to share with you today. I usually try to get in and out of the description as quickly as possible but I need to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful guests from this season for sharing their wisdom and experience these past few months. To Clare, Becky, Sam, Aidan, Juan, Dan, James, Richard, and Kate your generosity knows no bounds and I know that I am a better teacher for my conversations with you, and I am certain that there will be countless others listening who feel the same.
Speaking of being a better teacher. I, like many others, owe a huge professional debt of gratitude to my guest today. For many years, he has worked tirelessly to bring some of the brightest minds in education into our cars, trains, bikes, kitchens, and living rooms as well as sharing what he has learned through engaging with research in some of the most important education books of the last decade. It is, of course, the one and only, Craig Barton. They say you shouldn’t meet your heroes. Well, I’m here to tell you that they are wrong. Craig is a stone cold legend and I’ve been bursting to share this since we recorded all the way back in July.
So what do you do when you meet a living legend? You try and ask them as many questions as possible in 60 minutes. So that’s what I did and I know you’re going to love the result. Without further ado, for the final time this season, let’s spend some time Thinking Deeply about Primary Education.

7 snips
Oct 15, 2022 • 1h 14min
(S5,E7) Retrieval Practice with Kate Jones
Episode 94: This week on TDaPE I have the tremendous honour of sharing the penultimate episode of Season 5 with you; "Retrieval Practice" with the one and only Kate Jones. What is retrieval practice, what role does it play in our curriculum design, in our classrooms, and when designing knowledge organisers? We explore these questions and much, much more. Pen and paper at the ready. As usual, you'll want to take tons of notes while listening to this episode. Runners beware. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one...

Oct 8, 2022 • 1h 55min
(S5,E6) Assessment w/James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge
Episode 93: This week on TDaPE it brings me tremendous pleasure to share another episode with two truly inspirational guests, James Pembroke and Richard Selfridge. During the episode we talk about all things assessment, including; whether tracking systems have an upside, standardised testing has a downside, what their guiding assessment principles are, what they would do if they became schools minister and much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one...
Databusters Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/databusters/id1482223786
Databusting For Schools: https://www.databustingforschools.co.uk/blog
Sig+: https://www.sigplus.co.uk
Subscribe to the TDaPE YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RLzsG-mznn1U_tZc8P4-Q
Ko-Fi: www.ko-fi.com/tdape

Oct 1, 2022 • 1h 3min
(S5,E5) Stress, Learning and Memory with Dan Rosen
Episode 92: This week on TDaPE I'm joined by inspirational teacher and school leader, Dan Rosen. In an episode I've been waiting to share for weeks, we discuss stress, the role it plays in the classroom, the learning process and what this means for our practice. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one. So, without further ado, let's spend some time thinking deeply about primary education...
Follow Dan's blog: https://musingsofadr.wordpress.com
Subscribe to the TDaPE YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RLzsG-mznn1U_tZc8P4-Q

Sep 24, 2022 • 1h 5min
(S5,E4) Evidence Informed Practice with Juan Fernandez
Join Juan Fernandez, a dedicated teacher and PhD candidate, as he delves into the world of evidence-informed practice in education. He discusses practical tips for educators to engage with research and debunks persistent educational myths. The conversation highlights the challenges in accessing materials for Spanish-speaking teachers and the importance of adapting teaching methods. Juan also shares insights from his PhD journey, emphasizing the connection between domain-specific knowledge and creativity, making it a must-listen for anyone in the education field.

Sep 17, 2022 • 1h 12min
(S5,E3) Blogging, social media and subject leadership with Aidan Severs
In this engaging discussion, Aidan Severs, an expert in blog writing and the influence of social media on education, shares insights from his 15 years of teaching and leadership. He delves into the challenges and joys of educational blogging, emphasizing authenticity and adaptability. Aidan offers valuable perspectives on subject leadership, advocating for effective communication and support for educators. He also explores the role of early years education and the profound impact it can have on students' futures.

Sep 10, 2022 • 1h 22min
(S5,E2) Teacher and School Development w/Becky Allen and Sam Sims
Becky Allen, an expert in teacher and school development, teams up with Sam Sims, a key voice in teacher retention. They discuss fascinating concepts like a hypothetical machine designed to perfect education research. The importance of early education, particularly in year three, is highlighted, alongside the challenges of aligning curriculum standards. They also delve into the need for personalized professional development, emphasizing autonomy and innovative learning methods to foster better educational outcomes.

4 snips
Sep 3, 2022 • 1h 2min
(S5,E1) Leadership with Clare Sealy
Episode 88: This week I am delighted to introduce Season 5 of the podcast and another opportunity to take a peek inside the minds of some inspirational teachers. Across this season we’re going to explore teacher development, mental health, evidence informed practice, assessment and much more but first we have the inimitable Clare Sealy and a discussion based around her extensive experience of leadership in a range of contexts.
What is leadership? What are your guiding principles to leadership? Do those principles change depending on the scale of the leadership role? What do you do in your first 100 days in a new leadership role? We answer these questions and much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one...
Discord: https://discord.gg/ZGjBmgH6 (7 Day Link)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RLzsG-mznn1U_tZc8P4-Q