
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

Aug 27, 2022 • 1h 1min
How to get the most from Interventions...
This episode features Adam Smith, an educator specializing in real estate education; Elliot Morgan, known for his focus on educational strategies; and Neil Almond, dedicated to enhancing learning experiences. They dive into effective educational interventions, discussing key strategies to implement them successfully. The trio emphasizes the importance of tailored support, early interventions, and innovative models like the 'third teacher.' They also explore the role of AI in revolutionizing math tutoring and advocate for clear goals and collaborative approaches in educational settings.

Aug 20, 2022 • 47min
The Early Career Framework: One Year On...
Christopher Such, an educational expert in primary education, and Elliot Morgan, a professional in the Early Career Framework, discuss the first-year insights of the framework. They evaluate its implementation, noting successes and areas for improvement. The positive feedback from early career teachers highlights the importance of mentorship and enhanced training. They also tackle financial challenges facing schools and propose strategies for better mentor support, integrated training, and increased resources to benefit new educators and foster their growth.

Aug 13, 2022 • 1h 21min
Establishing Routines in the Classroom: A Field Guide
This week features Christopher Such, an expert in primary education; Adam Smith, a professional dedicated to supporting educators; and Lloyd Williams-Jones, an insightful educator. They dive into the significance of classroom routines, sharing key strategies for engaging students from day one. Topics include the challenges teachers face in motivation, the necessity of flexible routines, and actionable tips for leaders to foster a cohesive learning environment. Personal anecdotes and experiences add depth to their guidance, making it an invaluable listen for educators.

Aug 6, 2022 • 1h 15min
Implications for Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: The Work of David Ausubel
Sarah Cottingham joins the podcast to discuss how David Ausubel's work impacts teaching, learning, and curriculum design. They explore meaningful learning, cognitive psychology in math teaching, and enhancing understanding through cognitive assessment and retrieval practice. The discussion emphasizes prioritizing comprehension over memorization and engaging with structured teaching strategies.

Jul 30, 2022 • 1h 5min
Mathematics Education: A Thinking Deeply Panel
Educators Neil Almond, Lisa Coe, and Stuart Welsh discuss mastery in math education, curriculum overloading, and hope for the future. They explore the importance of interconnectedness in solving problems, the need for a strong foundation in math, and collaboration between primary and secondary schools. The panel sheds light on teaching for mastery, the significance of understanding functions, and the impact of online resources on education.

Jul 23, 2022 • 56min
Learning Objectives: What is the point?
Episode 82: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Andrew Jeffrey, Neil Almond, Adam Smith and Elliot Morgan as we try to unpick learning objectives and the role (if any) they have to play in the classroom. What is the point/purpose? Should we share them at the start of the lesson? We answer each of 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...
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Jul 16, 2022 • 51min
How do you solve a problem like Staffing?
Expert in staffing and education, Matt Swain, shares insights on attracting and retaining staff in the education sector. Topics include importance of staffing, recruiting strategies, teacher retention, CPD benefits, workload reduction, and innovative recruitment tactics for schools in need.

Jul 9, 2022 • 58min
A Traditionalist Approach to the Performing Arts
Experts Amy Bills, Tom Brassington, and Lisa Metcalfe discuss the role of performing arts in primary education, emphasizing its impact on students' skills, self-esteem, and empathy. They highlight the importance of integrating performance arts, storytelling, vocabulary, and English practice to foster a holistic learning experience for children.

Jul 2, 2022 • 1h 9min
Self-Explanation with Michael Pershan...
Join Michael Pershan and Christopher Such as they explore self-explanation in education, discussing its role in studying examples, problem-solving, and comprehension. They touch on the challenges and benefits of applying self-explanation in various subjects, highlighting the importance of fostering deep thinking and meaningful learning. The episode also delves into discovery learning, incorporating specific prompts and examples in math teaching, and navigating the introduction of self-explanation in education.

Jun 25, 2022 • 58min
What Every Teacher Needs to Know about Fractions...(part 1)
Math education expert Christopher Such discusses the challenges of teaching fractions, emphasizing the importance of visual representations, vocabulary acquisition, and mastering manipulatives. The podcast explores different pictorial representations of fractions and the effectiveness of two-color counters in promoting a deep understanding of ratios.