Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 205: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Elliot Morgan and I dive into what’s in store at the upcoming TDaPE London Conference on Saturday, 18th January 2025.

We explore the talks, themes, and workshops that will bring together educators passionate about primary education, with practical insights to enhance teaching and learning. From mathematics to professional development, the conference promises a day packed with inspiration and actionable ideas.

💡 Join us in person for thought-provoking discussions, collaborative workshops, and a chance to connect with like-minded professionals.

📅 18th January 2025 | Bishop Justus School, Bromley | 9:30am–2:30pm

🎟️ Book your place here

All profits from the event will go to Velindre Cancer Centre. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via Ko-fi.

If you have any questions or comments, join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submissions.

Episode 204: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Amy How to explore primary mathematics and how teachers can build their confidence in delivering impactful lessons. We discuss the essential areas of mathematics that help pupils develop a deep understanding, and Amy shares insights into how the Rekenrek can be used as a powerful tool to support mathematical thinking.

In this episode, we cover:

Whether you’re new to teaching mathematics or looking to strengthen your confidence, this episode is packed with insights to help you and your pupils succeed.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation at www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join our Discord community to continue the conversation!

Join Amy live at TDaPELondon: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1033614898987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Episode 203: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by teacher Jake Cowling to delve into the intricacies of lesson design. Drawing on cognitive science and principles of explicit and direct instruction, we discuss how intentional lesson planning can transform teaching and learning.

We explore:

Whether you’re refining your own lesson planning or seeking fresh perspectives on structuring learning, this episode offers practical insights for educators at all stages of their careers.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation at www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join our Discord community to continue the conversation!

Don't forget to get your tickets for the TDaPE Conference on January 18th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1033614898987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Episode 202: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we’re joined by primary teacher and leader, Adam Smith for a thought-provoking talk on Powerful Religious Education

Set in the context of broader discussions of curriculum, Adam shares his thoughts on the place, purpose and power of religious education, as well as the thinking de does as part of his approach to the planning and teaching of RE lessons.

Whether you’re passionate about teaching RE or looking for ways to deepen your pupils’ engagement, this episode offers valuable insights for making RE a powerful part of the primary curriculum.

If you enjoy the episode, support us by subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation at www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join our Discord community to continue the conversation!

Episode 201: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, we explore how to support pupils who use English as an additional language (EAL) specifically in mathematics. For EAL learners, mathematics presents unique challenges—from understanding language-heavy instructions to grasping abstract concepts. With thoughtful strategies, teachers can help these pupils thrive.

We discuss:

Whether you're an experienced educator or new to working with EAL pupils, this episode is packed with insights and tools for making maths learning more inclusive.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join our Discord server to continue the conversation!

Episode 200: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Naomi Pilling as we dive into the world of primary art education. Art is more than a subject—it's a critical tool for self-expression and creativity. Join us as we explore how to bring this vital subject to life in the classroom, whether you're an art enthusiast or just beginning to feel your way through paint and paper.

We discuss:

Whether you’re a beginning teacher or an experienced senior leader, this episode offers a practical guide to help you navigate primary art education and inspire young artists.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Join our Discord server for episode discussions!

TDaPE Conference, London: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1033614898987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Episode 199: In this special episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I take a look back at the last 100 or so episodes, revisiting some of the most thought-provoking questions from my interviews with some truly inspirational teachers. From insights on leadership and curriculum to reflections on early mathematics, artificial intelligence and scaffolding, these are the moments that have made me pause and think the most.

We explore:

Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a reflective journey through some of the most impactful discussions from nearly 200 episodes of deep thinking about primary education.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape.

Join the conversation on our Discord server and share your thoughts!

Episode 198: Leadership and School Culture – with John O’Neill

In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Stuart Welsh is joined by John O’Neill, Rector of The High School of Glasgow. With nearly a decade of leadership experience at the school, John shares invaluable insights into building a positive school culture, managing change, and fostering professional growth among staff.

They discuss:

Whether you're a school leader or an educator looking to grow professionally, this episode is filled with actionable insights from one of Scotland’s most respected school leaders.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Got a question? Join our Discord server and submit it in our unseen questions channel!

Episode 197: Primary Reading Simplified – with Christopher Such

In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Christopher Such, author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and soon Primary Reading Simplified, as we dive into simplifying the complexities of teaching reading. Christopher shares insights from his upcoming book and reflects on the evolving approaches to reading instruction in schools.

We discuss:

Packed with practical strategies and deep insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in primary reading instruction.

If you would like to get tickets for the Thinking Deeply about Primary Education Conference, they can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1033614898987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session proposals can be submitted here:

https://forms.gle/vDa2SRbCzJW3y32x8

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape.

Have questions? Join our Discord community and submit them in the unseen questions channel!

Episode 196: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Emma Lennard and Seamus Gibbons, authors of Sequencing the Primary Curriculum. Together, we explore how effective curriculum sequencing can make a profound difference in student learning and teacher practice.

We discuss:

Whether you’re looking to refine your school’s curriculum or seeking strategies to better sequence your own teaching, this episode is filled with valuable insights to guide you on your journey.

If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape. Got a question? Join our Discord server and submit your thoughts in our unseen questions channel!