Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Episode 130: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Neil Almond and Christopher Such as we delve into the exciting changes happening in the world of Key Stage 1 assessment. 

With the removal of KS1 SATs, schools now have the opportunity to reimagine how they assess reading proficiency in their early learners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in assessment at KS1, whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of primary education.

Join us as explore the potential benefits of this significant shift, discuss the challenges faced by schools during the transition and share insights into the various approaches that can be taken to ensure effective assessment without the traditional SATS framework.

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

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 129: In this thought-provoking episode of "Thinking Deeply about Primary Education," I'm joined, in-person, by a panel of esteemed guests, including Neil Almond, Shannen Doherty, Tom Brassington, and Lloyd Williams Jones, as we explore a potentially concerning phenomenon: "The Erosion of Art, Music, Sport, and Cooking" in primary education.

Drawing on their extensive experience in the classroom, my guests will delve into the possible reasons behind this decline and discuss the potential long-term consequences for children's educational experiences. They'll share personal anecdotes, research insights, and practical strategies to help educators, parents, and policymakers champion the revival and preservation of these vital disciplines.

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

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 128: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Neil Almond as we delve into the exciting changes happening in the world of Key Stage 1 assessment.

With the removal of KS1 SATs, schools now have the opportunity to reimagine how they assess mathematics proficiency in their early learners. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in assessment at KS1, whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of primary education.

Join us as explore the potential benefits of this significant shift, discuss the challenges faced by schools during the transition and share insights into the various approaches that can be taken to ensure effective assessment without the traditional SATS framework.

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

1. What is going?

2. What will be left behind?

3. What options do schools now have?

4. What would your ideal solution be?

5. What do you thinks schools should avoid?

6 What do you think will happen? (A prediction for 24 months time)

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 127: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Shannen Doherty and the leadership team of St. George's Primary School in an attempt to demystify what "Outstanding" looks like in 2023 for primary schools. Using their recent Ofsted report as a stimulus, we explore...

1. "Behaviour is exemplary"...how would you describe the systems you’ve put in place to make this possible?

2. In the report, your curriculum is described as "ambitious". What do you think makes your curriculum ambitious?

3. How do you find time to give subject leaders release time every week?

4. The report also says that you give "careful thought about what pupils need to know". How did you go about this process and how long did it take you because I know it was a journey rather than something that happened overnight. 

5. Your pupils enjoy "an impressive start" - what is your EYFS sequence like and what would you say characterises the experience of these pupils?

6. You "systematically check what pupils know and understand". What does this look like in the classroom?

7. In your opinion, what makes your school outstanding?

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

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 126: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Chris Such turns the tables on me (Kieran) with some unseen questions, as we try to help listeners with questions or problems they have been facing. As part of this chat we discuss bar models, fluency, subject leadership and much, much more. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one.

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 125: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Neil Almond and Christopher Such as we try to decide what the five things every teacher needs to know about reading comprehension are. As part of the chat we discuss reading comprehension in tremendous depth and even find some time to chat about the KS2 reading assessment from the summer of 2023. Whether you're new to the profession or an experienced senior leader, you won't want to miss this one.

Support the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 124: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I have the pleasure of speaking with Lloyd Williams-Jones, world-renowned expert in strategic thinking with extensive experience in supporting teachers through the implementation of mechanisms that allow schools to get the most from advanced planning.

During our conversation, we dive deep into the importance of strategic thinking within schools and how it can help to improve the working conditions within a school. Lloyd shares practical tips and insights on how to develop strategic thinking skills and apply them to any setting.

Whether you are an educator looking to enhance your strategic thinking skills or a school leader seeking to improve the planning process for your teachers, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies. You won't want to miss it.

As part of the chat we discuss...

1. What is strategic thinking?

2. What you do that could be considered "strategic"?

3. Why do you do it?

4. How did this develop? And where is it going to next? 

5. What are the strategic keys to school improvement? 

...plus much, much more.

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

podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 123: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm delighted to have Adam Woodward join us for a thorough exploration of knowledge organisers. Adam, a highly experienced educator, will be sharing his insights and experiences from a multi-year and school-wide implementation of knowledge organisers.

Throughout the episode, we'll delve into the theory behind knowledge organisers and how they can be used effectively in primary education. Additionally, we'll discuss the practical aspects of implementing knowledge organisers, including the challenges and lessons learned along the way.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, or education enthusiast, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights into the world of knowledge organisers and how they can benefit primary education. So, be sure to tune in and join us for this informative and engaging conversation.

As part of the chat we discuss...

1. What do we mean when we say knowledge organiser? 

2. What research are creators of knowledge organisers drawing on when they make them? 

3. What are the features/strengths of a good knowledge organiser? 

4. What are the signs of a weak knowledge organiser? 

5. What have you learned on your journey with knowledge organisers?

...plus much, much more.

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

podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing to www.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!

Episode 122: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I'm joined by Neil Almond and Christopher Such as we take questions from listeners and do our very best to provide mildly-satisfactory responses.

As part of the chat we discuss...

No hands up, Testing in Year 1, "I'm leaving teaching", Working Walls

...plus much, much more.

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

podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape or by subscribing towww.youtube.com/@TDaPE 

If you would like to submit a question, email us at [email protected] or join the TDaPE discord!