This week our trio are discussing the role of volunteers in schools, exploring both the benefits and potential drawbacks of volunteer involvement.

Navigating volunteer support in schools

So good we had to share this episode again! Children teachers, SEN advice, and more. Craig Robinson and Gill MacDonald are back, to share their insights from teaching using Maths — No Problem! Are they now better equipped to help struggling learners? How can teachers teaching less be a good thing? Plus, Gill was ‘the most reluctant teacher’ when it came to changing their maths programme, find out how things have changed since then.

Teach Less, Learn More

Challenge lovers, Playtime avoiders, and more. Matt Ashby is back and this week he’s sharing some of the amazing attitude changes he has seen since adopting Maths — No Problem! Is maths now a top subject for pupils? What’s the impact like on teachers? Find out!

Do I HAVE to go out at playtime? Amazing maths attitudes!

Decision paralysis, The Grameen Bank, and more. We’re looking back at this fascinating conversation with Jen Dousett, discussing what the teacher of the future will look like. What threats does AI pose to learning in the future? How do we go about teaching kids that certain problems may never present a classic ‘answer’? Plus, Adam addresses the importance of strong relationships between all parties involved in a pupils learning.

What does a future teacher need to look like?

The crew are joined this week by former executive director of curriculum and assessment in the Canadian Education Ministry, Jerry Mussio to talk about Canada’s education history and current situation. 

Where have things gone wrong in the past for Canada? Is there too much weight on teachers currently?

Analysing PISA Results and trends in Canada

This week, Adam, Robin, and Andy are joined by Sarah Matthews, Head at , Wiltshire, UK. We’re focusing on assessment, community involvement, and the importance of creating a supportive learning environment — three things Sarah’s school does fantastically. Does celebrating successes help create a positive school culture? Can standardised testing create unnecessary anxiety? Listen to find out!

Meaningful school assessment

Yoga A-Level, Self perception, and more. In this episode Louise Hoskyns-Staples joins us to share her insights on how we can improve maths engagement for girls. What learning style suits girls best? Can teaching maths in a way that benefits girls potentially jeopardise the boys? Plus, are there any differences in the male and female brains that account for how they perform in maths?

Engaging girls in maths

This week our hosts explore the critical role of teacher-student relationships in education. What teachers influenced our trio’s educational journeys? How significant is the role of school environment and safety? Plus, we discuss the balance between structure and freedom in education.

Teacher-student relationships in education

Shortcut damage, Starting with 'why’, and more. Ross Deans is back! This week we’re discussing the importance of conceptual understanding in maths education. Ross shares his journey from a once reluctant math student to a now passionate educator, and the gang talk about the role of mindset in learning, and the significance of real-life contexts in making maths relatable.

Conceptual understanding is crucial for long-term learning

Plant growing, Talking opportunities, and more. We are Andy-less this week, with Robin and Adam holding the fort. However, a fantastic guest joins us in Mateu Ramonet, from Star Primary School in London. Our crew discuss the importance of fostering a rich dialogue around mathematics in the classroom as well as how teacher development is crucial for effective maths instruction.

Transforming Maths Education at Star Primary

Ever wanted a lesson in guitar string theory? Our hosts are jamming this week — thinking about how maths affects other subject areas, especially the creative ones. Should maths be seen as a creative process like in music and art? Listen to hear how interconnected these subjects all are!

Music is what maths sounds like. Art is what maths looks like

Things are getting political this week! Our trio are talking about how politics affects education. Is education too often used as a tool for political gain? Is it too challenging to separate education from those political agendas? Plus, the crew sent themselves some homework!

What role does politics play in education?

Sometimes you've just gotta hit reset! We're discussing travel time and reflective time this week. What do new perspectives bring us? Do we forget too often about getting that fresh air for thinking time? Plus, the crew share how the best ideas come to them when on the move.

New perspectives - Embracing travel and reflective time

Fluffy activities, Bare feet, and more. Our hosts are discussing the importance of these three subjects and are wondering if we need to focus on promoting more joy for children. Why do people have visceral feelings towards creative subjects? What other learning experiences and life lessons can happen whilst learning these subjects? Find out!

Sport, Art and Music — Do we need to teach more joy?

This week, our gang explore the significance of curriculum in education, exploring that while curriculum is important, the effectiveness of teaching and systemic factors play a more crucial role in student outcomes. Plus, Andy shares that successful schools can thrive regardless of curriculum changes.

The significance of curriculum in education

Matt Ashby joins us this week to share some of the successes him and his school, Aragon Primary, have had using Maths — No Problem! for near enough a decade. The national average of pupils attaining expected level is 73%. Are you ready to hear Aragon's score? Clue — it's phenomenal! Matt also shares his person turning point using the programme, as well as how his school collaborate as a team to teach effectively.

How maths mastery helped 100% of EAL students pass SATs

Rabbit holes, Continual learning, and more. We're discussing the impact and importance of professional learning communities this week. Should it be mandatory that teachers are involved in these communities? Who is there to help improve your practice if it's just you and the children all the time? Plus, Andy shares the importance of making the teachers experience being learners.

Professional learning communities

Desk tidying, Day-reflecting, and more. Looking for quick teaching tips to help your practice? Our trio share some practical tips that may help make life easier in the classroom. From adopting an observer's mindset to helpful lesson-starters to make things flow quicker, we've got you!

TIPS! What can you do in 10 minutes that'll make a real difference in your classroom?

Ross Deans joins our usuals to discuss the transformative journey Muscliff have been on, teaching mathematics through the Maths — No Problem! approach. How important is it for pupils to foster a love for maths? Does maths even feel like maths for the pupils with the amount of problem solving and fun they have? Plus, the crew discuss the importance of conceptual understanding, creativity in learning, and the shift from traditional methods to a mastery-based approach.

Go slow to go fast. The importance of a varied toolkit in learning maths

So good we HAD to share this conversation again… Fragile foundations, Learning community, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss personalised learning with special guest Tim Oates CBE, the Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge University Press & Assessment. What are examples and the dangers of personalised learning? When did it first appear in England? Plus, Tim shares an experience of a Singaporean teacher, readying up their class of 14 year olds… with primary topics.

Personalised Learning —Why it's not the panacea people think it is

Soft skills, A huge SATs result increase, and more. Wendy Liu is back! Our crew want to hear more about Wendy's experience implementing this programme in the school she worked at. How did she cope with colleagues stuck in old ways? Are the skills that they're taught whilst doing the maths more valuable than the maths itself? Plus, Wendy shares a top tip — don't jump in too soon, kids need freedom to learn.

Maths was in EVERY child's top 3 subject! Unbelievable!

Echoing traits, Valuing workload, and more. Our three amigos are joined again by Matt Bland to discuss some further success points his school have experienced. How much of teacher's time is saved? Can this way of teaching work with subjects such as history? Plus, Matt shares how to involve parents with this way of teaching and learning maths.

How to save hours of time for teachers

Half-baked ideas, Musical modes, and more. The gang are chatting today about added extras in maths lessons. Is the emphasis on learning jargon terms having a negative impact? Do they just exist because of external pressures? Plus, Adam stresses the importance of remembering that 'pupils won't get another shot at today, this is their only chance'.

Is the emphasis on learning added extras and jargon terms having a negative impact on learners?

Organic growth, Precise resourcing, and more. We're so lucky this week to be joined by both Rosie Ross and Neil Le Feuvre from St Bridget's school in the Wirral, UK. Our guests have been on an incredible journey with their maths, for over a decade now. How important is sticking at it, even when things may be wobbly? Are elements of this way of teaching maths used in other subject areas? Plus, Rosie shares an important realisation, 'we don't just have to be able to do the maths, we have to understand the journey of the maths.'

'We want a piece of this, this is too good to miss!' — 10 Years on, this School shares their incredible journey

Participation importance, early trains, and more. Robin and Adam who are Andy-less this week, discuss takeaways from the recent Community Event. What sessions stood out and why? Is networking just a buzzword, or did people actually get the chance to make proper connections? Plus Adam highlights the importance of being challenged on our regular classroom practice.

A look back at our Community Event

Slow plodders, February lightbulbs, and more. Joining us once again, all the way from the 'dot in the Atlantic' is Crenstant Williams, to chat about those who may struggle at times in maths. What tools have been impactful for these learners? Does practicing a bit of lower-year work help build a foundation? Plus, hear about the parents that want to learn like this as well!

Kids that were behind caught up by TWO YEARS! - How to help strugglers to fly

Micro cultures, Honest pupils, and more. Two thirds of our team are here, Adam and Robin discuss the values of open days and share observations they have from recent school visits. What do both visitors and hosts get out of the experience? Plus, Adam shares the importance of senior leadership teams spreading an ethos of constant learning.

What is the value of an open day?

Critical thinking opportunities, Reasoning struggles, and more. This week, Robin and Adam discuss the integration of AI in education, focusing on its limitations, particularly in reasoning and mathematics. How can we embrace AI in the classroom? Do educators need to be more prepared as AI evolves? Plus, Adam discusses how educators can leverage AI's mistakes as teaching moments

Can educators leverage AI's mistakes as teaching moments?

Jargon vocab, Terry Tao, and more. The crew this week discuss whether adding more content can lead to less understanding. Does excessive vocabulary and memorisation practice effect students' understanding of key concepts? Is it just wasted time? Plus, what impact does getting the vocab tests correct or wrong actually do to students?

Sometimes adding results in less — Is it time to cut vocabulary practice at the start of lessons?

Warts and all, Opinionated kids, and more. In this episode of the School of School podcast, hosts Andy, Robin, and Adam discuss their recent school visits and the insights gained from observing students and teachers. What's it like being a fly on the wall? Does engaging with students who struggle provide valuable insights? Plus, talk of how the environment of a classroom can significantly impact learning.

Teachers should be encouraged to observe each other's lessons. Here's what we learnt from recent observations

Children teachers, SEN advice, and more. Craig Robinson is back again, this time joined by Gill MacDonald to share their insights from teaching using Maths — No Problem! Are they now better equipped to help struggling learners? How can teachers teaching less be a good thing? Plus, Gill was 'the most reluctant teacher' when it came to changing their maths programme, find out how things have changed since then.

Training investments, Concrete in Year 6, and more. This week we have Matt Bland, Assistant Head and Specialist Education Leader at Our Lady's Bishop Eton Primary School join us. We're discussing his school and their ten-plus year journey with maths mastery. Just how impactful has CPD been on practitioners? Plus, girls previously weren't interested in taking maths at A-Level, but are they now?

Episode 192: Why change something that is already working? Assistant head teacher and specialist education leader reveals all

Small steps, Different interpretations, and more. We've got Sana Malik, Assistant Headteacher and Local Leader of Maths (new role since recording) at St Mary's in Moss Side, Manchester with us to talk about mastery. Is it dangerous that people have different definitions of the word? Plus, chat about how to be successful in following a mastery approach — what elements do you need in place to succeed?

Defining Mastery - What is it's meaning?

Composition of Number, imaginative youngsters, and more. Laurice Prempeh is back with us this week to share her experience of teaching at both ends of the school. What was it like stepping into an Early Years classroom as teacher for the first time? Did she now recognise where learning links could become broken as they go up the school? Plus, how did Laurice deal with the challenge of pupils not being able to read in the Early Years class?

The teacher moved from Year 6 to Early Years and shares this…

Sneaker deals, Eat-sleep-drinking Bar models, and more. Crenstant Williams joins us again from Bermuda to discuss the impact the bar modelling approach has had on learners and educators. What was the catalyst for spreading this around the country? Why was this not a thing years ago? Plus, a heart-warming moment of a pupil who returned to give their thanks — don't miss it.

How Bar Modelling took over Bermuda

Oboe experts, Being anti-maths, and more. We're talking teacher training this week, looking in how many hours teachers get to explore maths during their training. How serious can the knock-on effects be if something is misunderstood by a child early on? Why are there different attitudes to other subjects? Plus, we talk about the unique circumstance of how usually the people holding teachers accountable aren't adults…

Teachers only get THIS many hours of maths training

‘Jinfant’ life, Siloed subjects, and more. We’re lucky to be joined again by someone who has so many roles that fitting them in this description box would be a challenge in itself! It’s Alison Borthwick, who is back to talk all things maths — from her journey from maths-phobic to maths expert, to discussing the current issues in education. Plus, if Alison became ‘Maths Prime Minister’ what would be the first thing she’d sort? Find out!

Bad maths attitudes, correcting the curriculum, and looking at the current state of primary maths education

Glass eating, Short-term wins, and more. Our 3 regulars this week are discussing long term planning in schools. Do short term snap decisions lead to chaos down the line? Do teachers need more time planning and working together? Plus, what needs to be built initially for things not to go wrong…

Long term planning and strategies in Schools

Small successes, CPD importance, and more. We are joined by guest Felix Savedra to hear more about his school’s success with maths. How important is programme consistency to both pupils and teachers? What have results looked like? Plus, what is next for a school that has been continually improving?

How has this School’s maths attainment consistently increased over 8 years?

Shocked observers, Early obstacles, and more. We’re joined by Craig Robinson from Kingsley Primary School this week to discuss their journey with Maths — No Problem! How do the kids manage to talk about maths for 40 minutes solid? What mindset changes have been made by both teachers and pupils? Plus, hear how important the Accredited Schools network has been for Kingsley.

Staff teamwork, changed attitudes, mindset shifts — this school’s success is PHENOMENAL

Weighing watermelons, Javelin angles, and more. We’re joined this week by Wendy Liu. With over 25 years in Primary Schools, and 15 years specialising in maths, Wendy shares where the journey began and what she has learnt on the way. What subject is a perfect vehicle for soft skills? What were some findings from Wendy’s thesis? Plus, 10 years on since Wendy attended the first 5 day Maths — No Problem! course, has the teacher training landscape and their attitudes changed?

Expert practitioner shares findings from MBA dissertation on Maths Mastery

Curriculum crown-jewels, Negative parents, and more. The team are joined this week by Mathematics Educator, Wenxi Lee to discuss the Singaporean Approach as well as her book: ‘The secrets to Singapore’s world class maths curriculum’. What are some fundamentals of the Singapore curriculum? Are some kids born with their bar model skills? Plus, Wenxi details the importance of seeing the Singaporean framework as an entire system.

The secrets to Singapore’s success

Idea freedom, Journal of the day, and more. This week the experts from Langley Green Primary School are back to share insight on their journalling successes. What are some tips for schools starting out with journals? What’s in it for a pupil themselves? Plus, have you heard of a Thinking Journal before? No? Listen to find out what it is! Idea freedom, Journal of the day, and more. This week the experts from Langley Green Primary School are back to share insight on their journalling successes. What are some tips for schools starting out with journals? What’s in it for a pupil themselves? Plus, have you heard of a Thinking Journal before? No? Listen to find out what it is!

A journey with journalling

Knock-off Shakespeare, 3 billion pound schemes, and more. As the new school year begins, our trio are here to raise some questions regarding the government’s spending in education. Is a 5.5% pay increase even enough? How much funding is actually allocated per class? Plus, Andy is on his soapbox again! Don’t miss it!

Teachers get a 5.5% Pay increase! But where does all the other billions of pounds go in education?

Clear pathways, Master and Expert statuses, and more. This the crew announce the Maths — No Problem! Qualification programme. Designed to broaden the impact of our problem-solving approach and take the guesswork out of CPD, the Programme provides a clear and coherent pathway to maths mastery expertise for teachers. Get involved in this amazing opportunity, visit mathsnoproblem.com today.

Introducing our Qualification Programme

Bar-model magic, Hurricane hiding, and more. Our regulars are joined by Crenstant Williams, Principal of Port Royal Primary in Bermuda. How and why has Bermuda taken on this approach to teaching? How difficult was training non-specialist teachers a new programme? Plus, what has happened on the first day of school in Bermuda for the last 5 year? Find out!

Maths mastery’s impact on Bermuda

Tiger Woods, Mind-numbing worksheets, and more. The gang are back with a bang. This week they’re taking on the topic of holiday homework, as well as chatting about summer schools. Is the threat of summer school helpful to a child? What summer homework tasks are actually useful? Plus, who had a winter sports addiction in their youth? Find out!

Put the pen DOWN! Is it right to dish out homework over the summer break?

Lesson run-downs, Multiplication transitions, and more. The crew are joined by Felix Savedra, who has journeyed from Teaching Assistant all the way to his current position as Maths Lead. What are some of the key takeaways from his journey? What is it like dealing with tricky mindsets from new staff? Plus, Felix shares the importance of making each child feel special.

Passionate for primary school learning — A maths lead’s experience

Summer camps, Bodybuilding, and more. Shades on, it’s summer time! Our hosts are debating if the summer holiday is too long, or too short? Do kids forget stuff? Is it good if they’re bored? Plus, is the non-school learning that takes place during summer valuable?

How long should summer holidays be?

Pupil expectations, Journal types, and more. Ed Parkinson is back to take us through some of the journalling types his school uses. Should all types be implemented at once? What is the impact of each type? Plus, Ed speaks on how journals are used for assessment and can give deeper information than a test.

Using journals with Maths — No Problem!

Buzzing classrooms, Early angst, and more. We are so excited this week to be joined by Laurice Prempeh, maths-loving Assistant Headteacher at Rosetta School in London. Why were there early negative feelings towards the programme? What was it like dealing with a whole-school rollout. Plus, find out what was key in terms of setting the right culture amongst teachers of ’we can do this together’.

Is this the most maths-loving guest we’ve ever had?

Dishwasher loading, Number lines, and more. Dr Alison Borthwick joins our regular trio to discuss her work on Spatial Reasoning. Where does spatial reasoning apply to the real world? Is it time for a curriculum change? Plus, we get into the ‘Ready to Progress’ document — should it still be used?

Spatial Reasoning

Ofsted boogeyman, Slap-dash training, and more. Our trio are discussing the shocking headline — that 1 in 10 teachers are leaving the profession in their first year. Who is to blame for this happening? Has a teacher’s role become way more than just teaching? Plus, are governments in other systems more hands-off? Find out!

I didn’t sign up for THIS — 1 in 10 teachers are leaving in their first year…

Forced into farming, YouTube lessons and more. Our crew are discussing this week whether schooling in a school is becoming less and less relevant for the needs of the modern world. Does school restrict pupils from their passions? Do jobs of today even require traditional schooling? Plus, Andy pitches a model for a hybrid school system.

Homeschooling on the rise? Parents are taking matters into their own hands!

Sexy curriculums, Mind-blowing stats, and more. In this episode, we’re looking forward to the upcoming general election and asking some questions: Where does all the money for schools go? What does a government minister even know about maths curriculum? Plus, why are 1 in 10 first-year teachers leaving the profession? 

UK Election Imminent - What is the story for schools and funding?

Sceptic starts, Impressing Ofsted, and more. Our hosts are joined by Lucy, Debbie and Alison from Langley Green Primary School in West Sussex to chat about their journey with Maths — No Problem!. Would they change anything about their implementation? How effective is the routine of their maths learning for the pupils? Plus, what are the moments for each guest that makes them think ‘we’ve cracked this’…

Nine years on, Langley Green’s story with Maths — No Problem!

Immigration impact, Finance models, and more. Trusts, Models and Management is this week’s discussion. What are the dangers present to Multi Academy Trusts? And what is the reason for moving towards them? Plus, what new guest are we eyeing up next? Find out!

Trusts, Models and Management

Data interpretation, the Asian factor, and more. This week we’re discussing the importance of understanding the data that comes from international studies. How influential are these studies? Why can’t certain countries just pick up any successful model? Plus, the team discuss how important cultural differences are.

Comparing education systems - Should we take international results with a pinch of salt?

Remote workers, Tripled productivity, and more. Our three remote hosts tackle this big issue and explore whether there’s a stigma with teachers working from home. How crucial is having uninterrupted time? Is there a trust issue with schools? Plus, are open door policies a worry?

Should flexible working be more accepted in schools?

Anti spoon-feeding, Maths-anxious parents, and more. Our gang are lucky to be joined by Claire Craddock from World’s End Junior School in Birmingham, as she shares how her school have made their maths programme accessible to pupils with visual impairments. What does a lesson look like? How much has to be adapted? Plus, Adam shares something in education that gets him really cross…

The school that successfully brings maths mastery to visually impaired pupils

Underground buskers, GCSE’s at Primary, and more. Our experts are here to discuss all things Arts and Sports in School. Is there still a negativity towards learning the arts? Do core subjects get too much attention? Plus, Andy poses the question — What is the difference between critical thinking and creative thinking?

Are we forgetting the importance of Arts and Sports?

Gold stars, Chocolate-covered broccoli, and more. Our fabulous trio are here to weigh up whether gamification is taking over and whether or not it is a danger to children’s attitudes. Is the quality of the learning being overlooked? Can school attendance rewards be an issue? Plus, who turns into Max Verstappen when they enter a Go-kart?

Is gamification taking over?

Jaw-dropping data, Improved life-outcomes, and more. Louise Hoskyns-Staples joins the crew again to share some incredible research results. Based on SATs data gathered from Maths — No Problem! schools, Louise reveals the impact of the programme — What are the results? Plus, find out who has an ‘inner nerd’!

SATs Data Revealed! Here’s how Maths — No Problem! schools performed in comparison to the national average

Parent perceptions, Egg-box ingenuity, and more. Exec Head Eliza is back! We’re thrilled to have Eliza Hollis join us again to share her experience navigating change and tough decisions as a Leader of a Federation. Is getting it right at the foundation stage the most important thing? How critical is parent buy-in? Plus, Eliza talks on the importance of developing the right culture and ethos in school.

Executive Head’s advice - Managing the shift in Maths programme

Behaviour tips, School trips, and more. Our hosts are here to discuss bad behaviour and threatening situations in the classroom. Are teachers trained or prepared enough for such events? Is it easier to remove the problem child from the situation or the rest of the class? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of consistency in organising children and setting the boundaries early.

Children throwing chairs! Dealing with bad behaviour in class

Community trust, Creating a team, and more. Our trio are here to navigate this tricky topic — Teacher and Parent roles in terms of learning and responsibilities. How much should these roles cross over? How do schools with challenging circumstances manage things? Plus, the team talk of the importance of going in the right direction together, based on the sole purpose of what everything is for, the child.

It takes a village - Exploring the blurry line between teacher and parent responsibilities

Grandma’s writing, Useless Skills, and more. If cursive could end up a thing of the past soon, will typing follow it into extinction due to new technological advancements? Are competencies more important than content? What other things will be left in the past? Plus, Andy shares the skills he learnt that became irrelevant… but did they really?

If writing is getting outdated, will the same happen to typing?

Guinea-pig trainees, Fraction sequencing, and more. This week the crew are joined by Louise Hoskyns-Staples. Louise has worked for the DFE, been a Head of School, an Author, a Test Writer and Developer and most currently an Educational Consultant. Sharing her Masters Thesis, the gang have some important questions for her. What was the motivation for this topic and research? Did attitudes towards textbooks change? Plus, if Louise was Minister of Education, what would be her first move?

Incredible textbook impact - Louise's Masters thesis

Snapchat lessons, Half-Listening kids, and more. It’s a hot topic, and our hosts are ready to tackle it. They’re needed for safety reasons, but are the phones too much of a distraction? What about at primary level – are kids at that age using phones? Plus, can the use of mobile phones be spun in a positive way?

Mobile phones at school

School Trips, Disruptive pupils, and more. This week, we’re discussing about a group of learners that sometimes can slip under the radar. Do we forget about this group? Do we focus too much on the advanced and the struggling? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of getting to know your children.

Invisible Children - Can some learners get forgotten?

Headline chasers, High stakes, and more. Our regular three pundits raise an interesting point – Why aren’t the policy makers held more accountable? Does the system need to change? How does a school issue grow and get escalated right to the top? Plus, find out where <a href='https://podcasts.feedspot.com/uk_teacher_podcasts/'>Feedspot.com</a> ranks our podcast in the UK Teacher Podcast ranking.

Education policy makers – Who’s holding them accountable?

Ah-ha moments!, Buzzing classes, and more. We are so lucky to have six guests join us in this very special episode. Wellington Prep Schools’ Roger Hitchin and Vics Lyon-Taylor have brought four amazing mathematicians along to reminisce of their primary maths experiences. Which elements of the approach resonated most with each of our special guests? What was the culture like in their class? Plus, which way of teaching do our star guests prefer?

Secondary pupils reflect on their Primary Maths past

Unattractive courses, Transformational moments, and more. In this episode we discuss the impacts good CPD can have on individuals and organisations. Can CPD really be a catalyst for change? What is the most impactful move school leadership can make in terms of investing? Plus, Adam takes us through the usual three stages of thought, when the penny drops at a fractions training course.

CPD as a mechanism for change

Mixed-age management, a decade-long journey, and more. Our crew are joined by Eliza Hollis, an Executive Head who’s journey implementing maths across local village schools is nothing but inspiring. How does the mixed-age setting possibly work with 3 year groups in one class? What prompted Eliza to embark on this mission with maths? Plus, hear about Eliza’s experience with 5 inspections in one year… yes, you read that correctly - FIVE!

Inspiring Executive Head’s journey implementing maths

Formative assessment ‘science’, Happy Ofsted, and more. Debbie Lee is back to share Overchurch Junior School’s amazing work. How do you manage pupil’s mindsets with self-assessing? Has there been noticeable and statistical improvements teaching and assessing maths like this? Plus, Debbie shares how formative assessment is managed across her school.

The importance of Arts in school

Using different parts of your brain, creative expression and more. Is the purpose of the Arts in school misunderstood? How important is the process of the learning Creative Arts in our education system? Plus, find out more about Adam's hidden artistic talents.

Perpetual change, Perpetual improvement and more. How often should change happen and what is at the heart of it? How can the government setup a system that allows for slow, gradual, continual changes. Plus, find out who should be staying out of the classroom to improve education.

Reacting to change

Small village schools, support networks and more. What role should the Community play in the world of a teacher? How can Community help teachers cope with vulnerabilities and give them a sense of identity? Plus, learning moments for the entire group.

Community in education - What does it’s role look like?

Honeycomb hunting, Spirit levels, and more. The crew are lucky enough to be joined by the amazing Debbie Lee, Maths Lead, Year 4 Lead and teacher at Overchurch Junior School, Wirral, to chat about content strands. Which content strands need more love and exposure? What real-life maths examples can we show to children? Plus, Andy takes us to the 11th dimension, almost.

Content Strands - Do we stress about calculation too much?

Robot dentists, Rocket club, and more. In this episode we’re thinking about the future - ‘Great Scott!’ What will the future look like in terms of jobs and automation? Are kids losing their drive and curiosity for things? Plus, Andy questions if we are forgetting what it means to be a human…

Preparing students for the future

Dopamine machines, Self-driving cars, and more. Our trio are discussing the ever-growing, and perhaps the ever-misunderstood topic, Digital Technology. Are screens taking over unnecessarily? Is learning proximity important? Plus, Andy shares  his thoughts when considering dig-tech changes and the magic question to always ask first.

Digital Technology - Time for caution?

Crescendos, Collaboration culture, and more. Darian Allan joins the crew to discuss the impacts of a spiralled curriculum. Is it a must to have a spiralled approach? What does it look like at Darien’s school? Plus, tips on dealing with different school cultures, environments and characters.

Spiral Curriculum and School Cultures

A blank canvas, Corridor conversations, and more. Ed Parkinson is back to share Attenborough School’s journey implementing the Maths — No Problem! programme. How did the change come about? What was it like getting everyone on board? Plus, Ed shares how the school cope with issues such as high pupil mobility.

Changing mindsets - International school shares implementation journey of Maths — No Problem!

Sidewalk cutouts, Subtitle popularity, and more. Jen Dousett is back! This week we’re talking UDL which stands for Universal Design for Learning. What exactly is this? What does truly understanding something look like? Plus Andy shares a study-group story of a child who was all-answers, but with a lack of understanding.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Credit card chaos, Fear of maths, and more. This week we’re looking at a hot topic - Financial Literacy. Are the mechanics for financial literacy already being taught in schools? Does the buck fall with content creators and teachers to install anti-fear mindsets? Plus, do children understand the dangers and magnitude of virtual payments on video games?

Financial Literacy - 5 Year olds learning mortgage rates?!

North Pole trips, Early Years, Algebraic ideas, and more. This week the crew respond to the UK Government’s push on teaching real world maths in school. Are we not already doing this? How bad is the maths disconnect when pupils get to year 7? Plus, Andy gives us a visualisation problem to solve. Can you crack the question?

Teaching real world maths

Length running, Online P.E., and more In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the impact of fitness in schools. Who is the push-up champion? Do more health lessons need to be taught in school? Plus, the crew talk about the importance of accepting failure as part of life.

Fitness in schools

Addictive scrolling, Media manipulation, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the dangers technology can bring. Are we always aware that technology is usually designed to be addictive? Are we playing catch-up with it’s rapid growth? Plus, should kids be made more aware of the dangers out there?

Is knowing how technology works the same as knowing how to use it?

Reward systems, Global curriculum, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Ed Parkinson from Attenborough School in Germany to talk about classroom cultures. Is consistency key? Do pupils have to have a particular mindset? Plus, Ed discusses parent buy-in and cases such as new pupils and teachers joining the fold.

Creating a successful classroom culture

Fast thumbs, Calligraphy courses, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the history and relevance of cursive writing. Can kids understand the older generation’s writing? Should we teach touch typing on phones and iPads? Plus, Adam wishes how back in the day, keyboard touch-typing should’ve been taught to everyone.

Cursive - Where did it go?

Colourful visuals, Tea-sipping teachers, and more. In this episode, Robin and Adam are joined by Sana Malik to discuss how textbooks bring maths learning to life and help all pupils. Do other countries use them? Why do people have a negative perception of them? Plus, Sana speaks on the textbooks characters growing throughout the book and assisting children on their maths journey through school.

Textbook sceptic? How and why textbooks elevate learning

Trapezoid gardens, Harvesting bark, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Darien Allan to chat about certain mathematical activities and topics that can help ignite young minds. How can we encourage kids to see the world mathematically? What topics have Darien’s school explored? Plus, does maths need a whole marketing overhaul and a big makeover?

Tools and activities that can support maths learning

Fridge fairies, Wrong-handed teeth-brushing, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss the importance of routines for children in school and out of school. Can bed making be an impactful start to a day? Should their free time be structured too? Plus, the crew highlight that school may well be the only place where some children actually experience structures and routines.

How important are Routines for children?

Frolicking about, Banana mashing, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam chat about young children and their use of screens. Are phones acceptable at the table? How do we cope with technology’s dominance? Plus, Adam speaks on the importance of playing with and being around real people.

The screens are taking over! Are young people addicted?

Decision paralysis, The Grameen Bank, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Jen Dousett to discuss what the teacher of the future will look like. What threats does AI pose to learning in the future? How do we go about teaching kids that certain problems may never present a classic ‘answer’? Plus, Adam addresses the importance of strong relationships between all parties involved in a pupils learning.

Charlie Brown, TikTok snippets, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam try to keep focussed as they discuss attention spans. Does the new generation have a shorter span? Why is it easier to focus on something like a hobby? Plus, Andy talks of Bob Dylan’s experience of being ‘in the zone’ early on in his career.

Attention span

Compressed learning, Scrapping topics, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam discuss if a four-day school week would work. Would kids underperform with extra hours added onto each day? Can we take any lessons from a previous guest? Plus, can Robin convince Andy to change to a 4-day week?

Four-day work week? What about a four-day school week?

Egg incubators, A famous David, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam are joined by Ed Parkinson and Angie Jones from Attenborough School in Germany who share their experience teaching the Maths — No Problem! Early Years programme, Foundations. How does journaling work at that young age? What is the role of the picture books? Plus, have Angie and Ed already noticed a difference in the children’s learning?

Early Years Impacts

Bitesize chunks, History in a day, and more. In this episode, Andy, Robin and Adam take on trending topic: Micro Learning. What is this all about? Is information better learnt in small chunks? Plus, is this just a similar strategy to the already-in-practice spiral approach?

Get bite-sized insights and analysis on the latest topics in primary education

This is The School of School podcast

Class is in session

Episode 223: Navigating volunteer support in schools

Episode 222: Teach Less, Learn More

Episode 221: Do I HAVE to go out at playtime? Amazing maths attitudes!

Episode 220: What does a future teacher need to look like?

Episode 219: Analysing PISA Results and trends in Canada

Episode 218: Meaningful school assessment

Never miss an episode