Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Andy McHugh, a dedicated teacher and founder of Teacher Writers, shares insights on empowering educators through writing. He discusses his evolution from teaching religious education to editing HMWRK Magazine and establishing a platform for teacher voices. Key topics include the importance of teacher writing as professional development, balancing accessibility with depth in educational publishing, and fostering a supportive community for new writers. McHugh encourages teachers to embrace diverse writing projects and simplifies the path to publication.

Lloyd Williams Jones, an experienced primary school leader about to take headship, and Shannen Doherty, an incoming deputy headteacher, dive into inclusive education challenges. They discuss the impact of systemic issues on SEND provision and the shift towards universal design in teaching. Shannen emphasizes the importance of not relying on labels while urging collective commitment from school stakeholders. Lloyd advocates for a culture change in leadership, stressing that inclusive teaching ultimately benefits all students. Their insightful conversation highlights practical strategies to embed inclusivity in schools.

In this engaging conversation, John Jackson, an experienced secondary mathematics teacher and education commentator, dives into the science of learning about arithmetic fluency. He explores effective classroom practices that emphasize accuracy, efficiency, and meaning in mathematics. John discusses the importance of early number sense, potential pitfalls of rote learning, and the value of structured retrieval. He offers practical strategies for teachers and shares insights on how school leaders and parents can support students in developing mathematical fluency.

Doug Lemov, the author of 'Teach Like a Champion', joins literacy experts Colleen Driggs and Erica Woolway along with Chris Such to discuss innovative reading instruction methods. They emphasize a knowledge-rich approach to reading, detailing essential strategies for enhancing comprehension and fluency. The conversation highlights the role of lesson preparation, the importance of engaging with complex texts through close reading, and the need for effective curriculum design. Their insights aim to reignite joy and meaning in classrooms, fostering better reading outcomes for students.

Lucy Crehan, author of *Cleverlands* and an international education consultant, dives into the unique curriculum challenges in Northern Ireland. She discusses the historical context that shapes education there, emphasizing the need for a purpose-driven, coherent curriculum. The conversation reveals the struggles novice teachers face with ambiguous guidelines and contrasts Northern Ireland’s system with those of England, Wales, and Scotland. Crehan advocates learning from international standards to enhance educational practices and improve student outcomes.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Lowing, an expert from Lead in English, breaks down the complexities of the DfE's Writing Framework. He emphasizes the need to meld technical accuracy with creative expression in writing education. They tackle the importance of handwriting for memory and how it has been affected by recent events. Adam also advocates for nurturing authentic writing experiences tailored to students, and highlights the significance of ongoing professional development for educators to balance creativity and technique effectively.

Liv Dempsey, a headteacher navigating behavior management in her first year, Tom Oakley, a deputy head with innovative systems, and Charles Bankovitz, a daily classroom teacher, share their insights. They discuss why certainty in behavior expectations is crucial, the benefits of de-escalation language, and the routines that preempt issues. The trio unpacks trauma-informed practices versus traditional methods, the importance of strong staff relationships, and the supportive culture needed to alleviate teacher stress, offering practical solutions for primary classrooms.

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.