Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Adam Smith, a dedicated Year five teacher in London, joins Chris Such, an author and part-time ambition instituter, alongside Deputy Head Tom Oakley from Cambridgeshire, and German teacher Sebastian Donath. They dive into the necessity of taking charge of one’s professional development. Key discussions include the balance between personal life and teaching, maximizing time through productivity tools, and the role of mentorship in growth. The conversation also touches on leveraging social media for learning and the joy of engaging formats like podcasts for professional advancement.

Neil Almond, an expert in handwriting and education, shares insights from his work in the researchED Guide to Primary Literacy. He discusses why handwriting is still vital in the digital age, linking it to improved literacy and memory. Almond reveals surprising findings from recent research on the challenges students face in mastering handwriting. He also introduces structured teaching approaches, like the Kinetic Letters program, to overcome difficulties and enhance fluency. The conversation is engaging, filled with practical strategies for educators.

Kathy Griffiths, CEO of the Aquinas Multi-Academy Trust, shares her decade-long journey in executive leadership, addressing the complexities of her role and the evolution of leadership in education. She emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and collaboration, alongside the need to invest in staff to inspire students. Griffiths also candidly discusses navigating challenges post-pandemic, the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and overcoming impostor syndrome, urging future leaders to embrace their unique paths with joy and resilience.

Nick Pointer discusses effective teacher professional development, emphasizing a 'mechanisms first' approach. Topics include goal setting, teacher rehearsal, preventing mutations in PD practices, and actionable elements of teacher development.

Stuart Welsh, a fractions and primary education expert, joins the podcast to discuss the importance and challenges of teaching fractions. They explore why fractions are crucial and difficult for children, common pitfalls in the classroom, and effective teaching strategies. The conversation dives into the beauty of understanding fractions early, misconceptions in fraction manipulation, and the need for a comprehensive approach in education.

Delve into the intriguing world of number bonds and discover systematic strategies to teach them effectively. Explore explicit diagnostic tracking that helps assess student understanding. Gain practical tips tailored for the classroom to boost students' confidence. The discussion also emphasizes evidence-informed decision-making to enhance teaching methods. This journey into mathematics not only aims to improve recall but also fosters better problem-solving skills among learners.

Join educators Alex Fairlamb and Rachel Ball as they dive into the intricate world of scaffolding in primary education. Alex focuses on essential practices for supporting learners, while Rachel brings expertise in effective classroom implementation. They explore what scaffolding truly is—and isn't—while highlighting common pitfalls teachers face. Listeners will discover how to integrate scaffolding as a core practice, adapt strategies for individual needs, and the importance of ongoing professional development. A must-listen for educators aiming to elevate their teaching!

Samantha Patterson, a primary mathematics expert from North East England, shares her insights into transforming maths education. She emphasizes the significance of high-quality teaching and tackling misconceptions early. Samantha discusses fostering problem-solving skills and building a collaborative classroom atmosphere. The conversation also highlights the importance of trust between educators and leadership for school improvement and the need for strategic planning in mathematics leadership. Plus, she offers valuable tips on professional development and adapting to curriculum changes.

Richard Selfridge, a data consultant dedicated to improving educational outcomes, tackles the compelling use of student data in this lively discussion. He highlights common misconceptions and the pitfalls of data misuse that hinder effective teaching. Selfridge advocates for meaningful assessments, examining the shift from traditional methods to more impactful evaluations. Additionally, he shares insights on how age can affect student performance, urging educators to harness data effectively for tailored support strategies and enhanced learning outcomes.

Jon Kay, Head of Evidence Synthesis and International at the Education Endowment Foundation, shares invaluable insights from over a decade of experience. He talks about how teachers can effectively navigate educational research and the importance of quality evidence. Kay emphasizes the role of AI in improving systematic reviews while highlighting the need for human oversight. He also discusses the significance of independence in educational funding and encourages educators to integrate research with their expertise to enhance student outcomes.