Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

By Kieran MackleEducation

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Typical duration
57 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education episodes

November 02, 2024Language and Learning – Supporting EAL Pupils in Mathematics
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:
The specific challenges EAL pupils face in maths lessons and their impact on learning.

Techniques for making mathematical language accessible and fostering understanding.

Practical advice on creating an inclusive environment that encourages mathematical confidence and success for EAL learners.
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!
40 min
October 26, 2024Time to Look – A Primary Art Field Guide
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:
Why art is essential in a child’s learning journey.

Key principles that guide impactful art instruction.

What a typical art lesson might look like and how to support other educators in elevating their art teaching.

Advice for those passionate about teaching art but unsure of their technical skills.
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!
1 hr
October 19, 2024The questions that keep me thinking
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:
Memorable questions and the answers that helped me grow as a teacher.

Key takeaways from educational leaders and specialists.
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!
2 hr 4 min
October 12, 2024Strategies for Success in Leadership
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:
What inspired John to pursue leadership and how he stays passionate about his role.

His leadership philosophy and advice for new leaders.

The role of school culture in a school’s success and how to maintain it.

Managing resistance to change and implementing new initiatives.

Strategies for empowering staff and fostering continuous professional growth.

The biggest challenges faced as Rector and lessons learned.
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!
49 min
October 05, 2024Primary Reading Simplified with Christopher Such
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:
Why Christopher chose to write another book on reading and whether his previous work left anything unresolved.

The key elements that make reading lessons truly effective, and how this compares to common practices in schools.

Lessons learned from changing reading instruction across an entire school.

Expert advice on assessing and addressing reading difficulties within the classroom.

Tips for selecting high-quality texts that engage and challenge pupils.

Practical steps for developing a strong reading culture in schools.
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!
1 hr 6 min
September 28, 2024Sequencing the Primary Curriculum
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:
What inspired Emma and Seamus to write Sequencing the Primary Curriculum and how their own experiences as educators shaped the book.

The biggest challenges in creating a well-sequenced primary curriculum and practical ways schools can overcome them.

How teachers can create meaningful links between subjects without sacrificing depth.

Strategies for managing differing pupil starting points when sequencing learning content.

Expert advice for schools just beginning to rethink their curriculum sequencing.
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!
1 hr 1 min
September 21, 2024Small Numbers, Big Ideas
Episode 195: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I sit down with early mathematics specialist, Jo Austen, to explore the significance of early mathematics in shaping a child’s cognitive development and future learning. Jo shares his journey into early mathematics and delves into the key principles that he believes should underpin the teaching of foundational mathematics concepts.

We discuss:
The inspiration behind Jo’s focus on early maths and its impact on children’s long-term success.

Essential concepts and principles that should guide early mathematics education.

How teachers can strike the right balance between fostering conceptual understanding and ensuring procedural fluency.

The vital role that manipulatives and play-based learning play in helping young children develop strong mathematical foundations.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or simply interested in how young children grasp the big ideas behind small numbers, this episode is packed with valuable insights to enhance your approach to early maths education.
Be sure to listen in and take away practical strategies to implement in your classroom!

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.
If you have any questions or comments, you can join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submission.
55 min
September 14, 2024Flourishing as a new or beginning teacher
Episode 194: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m honoured to be joined by Dr. Geraldine Magennis for an exploration of the ways we can support new and beginning teachers in their professional development.
We discuss:
What are the main challenges and opportunities for new and beginning teachers in their CPD journey?
How can new and beginning teachers access high-quality CPD that meets their needs and interests?
What are some effective strategies and tools for new and beginning teachers to reflect on their practice and identify areas for development?
How can new and beginning teachers collaborate with other teachers, mentors, and experts to enhance their CPD?
How can new and beginning teachers evaluate the impact of their CPD?

And much, much more.
Whether you’re new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won’t want to miss this one.

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.
If you have any questions or comments, you can join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submission.
57 min
September 07, 2024Ofsted Overhaul: Changes, Challenges, and Complexities
Episode 193: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Adam Smith and Elliot Morgan as we discuss the proposed changes to Ofsted (announced at the beginning of the week) and what this might mean for teachers and leaders in schools across the country.
We explore:
Which proposed change most appeals to you?
Which proposed changes could have the biggest impact on the working lives of teachers?
Are there any unforeseen consequences hiding among the proposed changes?
And much, much more.

Whether you’re new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won’t want to miss this one.

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.
If you have any questions or comments, you can join our Discord server, where we have a special channel for unseen question submission.
47 min
August 31, 2024Effective School Leadership with Lloyd Williams Jones
Episode 192: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Lloyd Williams Jones as we discuss effective school leadership over the short, medium and long term.
We explore:
When taking on a leadership role, what should be the priority for your first 100 days in post? Namely, how should we approach our new responsibilities to give us the best chance of success?

You’ve been in the role for a number of years and made significant gains early on. How do you ensure the school is continually moving forward and progress is sustained? Particularly, after you are gone because we know progress can sometimes be tied to an individual.

How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement, particularly when working in challenging circumstances or when things have begun to stagnate?

If you could start over, is there anything you would do differently?
And much, much more.

Whether you’re new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won’t want to miss this one.

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

About Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, the podcast that gives you a peek inside the minds of some truly inspirational primary teachers. Whether you're new to the profession or a school…