Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

• A Language Pedagogy Deep Dive: Teaching Welsh in English-Medium Schools

  For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For curriculum questions contact us ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ or via [email protected] Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdapeIn Episode 234 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Matthias Maurer to explore the teaching of Welsh as a second language in English-medium primary schools. Drawing on Matthias’s extensive classroom experience and expertise in language pedagogy, the conversation examines:The challenges and opportunities of teaching Welsh in non-Welsh-speaking contextsWhat effective second language instruction looks like at primary levelHow cultural identity and curriculum design intersect in language learningThe implications for language policy and planning across the UK and beyondWhether you're a classroom teacher, a curriculum leader, or simply curious about multilingualism in education, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical takeaways.📌 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

  --------  

  53:58
• From Maths Anxiety to Maths Advocacy: Leading Sustainable Change in Schools

  In Episode 233 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Jon Cripwell, Primary Maths National Education Lead at Twinkl and long-time collaborator with the NCETM. Together they explore Jon’s unconventional path into teaching, how struggling with maths led him to become a passionate advocate for the subject, and the vital role of empathy in subject leadership. The conversation offers powerful insights into supporting anxious teachers, fostering meaningful CPD, and sustaining curricular change across school contexts.Listeners will gain:First-hand reflections on transforming maths anxiety into instructional strengthPractical strategies for building confidence in colleagues reluctant to teach upper Key Stage 2 mathsLessons on sustaining professional growth beyond formal rolesWhether you're a school leader, maths lead, or CPD enthusiast, this episode offers a grounded look at what it really takes to lead meaningful, lasting change.For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For curriculum questions contact us ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ or via [email protected] Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdape

  --------  

  49:21
• Conceptual Clarity: A Conversation with Pete Mattock

  Episode 232: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449For curriculum questions contact us ⁠here⁠ or via [email protected] Support TDaPE: www.ko‑fi.com/tdapeThis week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we’re joined by Pete Mattock, author of Visible Maths, Conceptual Maths, and Leading Maths. Together we explore what it really means to understand mathematics conceptually, what leaders need to know to support that understanding.With nearly two decades in the classroom, involvement with the NCETM's first cohort of Mastery Specialists, and a deep commitment to making mathematics meaningful, Pete offers insights that bridge both primary and secondary contexts. We discuss planning, the importance of coherence, and what mathematics education might look like when clarity and purpose come first.Whether you’re a new teacher, an experienced leader, or simply passionate about mathematics education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

  --------  

  47:02
• Curriculum Coherence or Curricular Chaos?

  Episode 231: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449Contact us here or via [email protected] In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we explore the 2025 paper "Curriculum and Mathematical Coherence" , a thought-provoking critique of how early number is introduced in national curricula.The paper argues that modern mathematics curricula (on a national level) lean too heavily on counting as the dominant conceptual foundation for number, often at the expense of coherence and conceptual progression. It draws a direct line from mid-20th century "New Math" reforms to today’s fragmented curriculum structures, raising questions about what we teach, how we sequence it, and what this means for the learners in front of us.We discuss:Why “counting ≠ the whole story” when it comes to early numberHow and when coherence was lost, and what we can do to recover itThe persistent tension between curriculum design and classroom practiceWhat their analysis means for subject leadersPractical implications for primary teachers, maths leads, and those developing or critiquing maths schemesWhether you’re a curriculum thinker, subject lead, or classroom teacher keen to understand the research shaping mathematics education, this episode offers critical reflection and concrete takeaways.

  --------  

  35:11
• From the Classroom to Leadership: Building Cultures that Thrive

  Episode 230: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Stuart Welsh is joined by Sana Syed, an experienced Early Years educator and school leader, for a conversation that explores the journey from classroom practitioner to influential team leader.With over a decade of experience, including more than ten years at NGS and a formative stint teaching seven-year-olds, Sana shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. We delve into what inspired her to step into leadership, the values that guide her practice, and the importance of creating a reflective, supportive school culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow.We also discuss:How school leaders can cultivate trust and collaboration within their teamsThe role of ongoing professional learning in sustaining motivation and joyAdvice for emerging leaders ready to make a broader impactWhether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned practitioner, or someone passionate about the Early Years, this episode offers rich insights into what it means to lead with purpose, curiosity, and care.If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or consider supporting the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. You can also join the conversation in our Discord community, where educators from around the world share ideas and questions.

  --------  

  32:22

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Thinking Deeply about Primary Education