In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, the NCETM’s Gaynor Bahan talks with Professor Dame Allison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, about the importance of teacher collaboration, professional learning, and the current state and future vision of teaching as a respected profession. They discuss the Chartered College's recent report on revisiting teacher professionalism and how initiatives like the Maths Hubs Programme contribute to building a culture of trust, eth...
Jun 30, 2025•45 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Jane Hawkins, the NCETM’s Assistant Director for Secondary, speaks to Geoff Barton, chair of the Oracy Education Commission. The conversation dives into the importance of oracy in the classroom, especially in mathematics, exploring how it can transform learning and teaching. They discuss the current state of oracy education, its potential to close the disadvantage attainment gap, and specific recommendations for embedding oracy into professional develo...
Jun 05, 2025•51 min•Ep. 91
In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr Jen Shearman, Paul Rowlandson and Sue Evans discuss the upcoming EEF-funded trials of two important Maths Hubs programmes in 2025/26. The conversation explores the role of external evaluation, the challenges of conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and what the findings could mean for maths education. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Jen Shearman, Director for Evaluation and Impact, NC...
Apr 04, 2025•33 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, the NCETM’s Dr. Jen Shearman and Carol Knights discuss the EEF’s Secondary maths practice review . The review identifies some of the challenges facing leaders of maths in English schools, including the national shortage of maths teachers, the widening gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, the need for greater focus on students in KS3, and the ways maths departments are approaching these challenges. Jen and Carol also touch upon the implications for the NCETM and th...
Feb 07, 2025•26 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, we talk to Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator at NRICH, about the Problem-solving Schools initiative and its aims to support the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills for pupils and students from Reception to post-16. Liz shares insights into the initiative's process, including the use of webinars and rich tasks to support schools, and we also look at the relationship between problem-solving and reasoning and their importance in a well-rounded maths education. A tran...
Nov 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 88
In Part 2 of our episode on oracy with Jane Hawkins from the NCETM and Kathleen McBride from Voice 21, we explore the impact of the Maths Hubs’ Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs), strategies for implementing oracy in both primary and secondary education, and the importance of oracy for enhancing student learning and engagement. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Kathleen McBride, Senior Learning and Innovation Lead, Voi...
Jun 19, 2024•31 min•Ep. 87
In Part 1 of our discussion with Kathleen McBride from Voice 21 and Jane Hawkins from the NCETM’s Secondary Team and Jurassic Maths Hub, we discuss the definition of oracy, its significance for students' mathematical development, behaviour and overall well-being, and the role of Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs) in exploring oracy's impact in classrooms. We also take a look at Voice 21’s Oracy Framework for schools and teachers. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to downlo...
Jun 05, 2024•31 min•Ep. 86
The NCETM Maths Podcast invites teachers, maths experts and anyone with a passion for teaching maths to talk about topics that shine a light on great maths teaching. With ideas for classroom activities, inspirational stories of careers in maths, and lively debates on contemporary topics, the NCETM podcast has something for everyone. Most episodes are around 20 minutes long – perfect for your journey to work. So, if you like what you hear, hit subscribe to make sure you don’t miss an episode. You...
Apr 09, 2024•3 min
In this episode, Early Career Teachers from primary and secondary schools talk about their experiences of training to teach with Teach First, how they have honed their maths teaching skills, and what they have learned in their first years in the classroom. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Emily Dixon, Year 1 teacher at Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy, Sheffield Lauren Garrigos, maths teacher at Heartlands High School, Haringey...
Apr 02, 2024•20 min•Ep. 85
In this episode of the podcast, Rebecca and Sue explore the foundations of doubles in Reception and discuss how this concept is built on in KS1 and beyond. Having both been teachers in Early Years or KS1, they reflect on their own experiences and share practical tips for the classroom. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Sue Evans, NCETM Assistant Director for Primary, and former primary teacher Rebecca Fisher, NCETM Communicatio...
Mar 27, 2024•29 min•Ep. 84
In this episode of the podcast, we speak to Cat Eadle, a teacher, dyscalculia specialist and co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network. Our conversation explores what dyscalculia is, how it differs from other maths difficulties, and how teachers can facilitate an early diagnosis. We also discuss the importance of teaching ‘maths for life’ skills, dyscalculia in the secondary maths classroom, and how teaching for mastery approaches can support dyscalculic students of all ages to do and enjoy maths. A...
Feb 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 83
In this third and final part of this podcast episode, we conclude our conversation with Professors Alf Coles and Nathalie Sinclair about the dogmas they address in their book, I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a difference . In this part of the conversation, we put your questions, shared with us on social media, to Alf and Nathalie, and discuss topics including maths anxiety and enjoyment in the UK compared to other nations, how to support and encourage children who struggle ...
Jan 29, 2024•17 min•Ep. 82
In Part 2 of Episode 78 of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Professors Alf Coles and Nathalie Sinclair continue their discussion about the dogmas in maths teaching and learning, with host Julia Thomson. We explore the misconceptions that ‘maths is culture-free’ and that 'maths is for some people and not for others'. We also scrutinise the notion that ‘maths is hard because it is abstract’ and discuss the Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract (CPA) model within mastery and the power of representations in maths. ...
Jan 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 81
In this episode, we talk to Professor Alf Coles and Professor Nathalie Sinclair about their book, I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a difference . In the book, Alf and Nathalie identify, unpick and challenge some of the most commonly-held beliefs about maths teaching and learning. In Part 1 of our conversation, we explore the background to the book and the first two dogmas, or myths, about maths education that Alf and Nathalie explore in the book. A transcript (PDF) of this e...
Jan 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 80
In Part 2 of our discussion with Dr Ems Lord and Liz Woodham from NRICH and Grace Coker from the EEF, we explore how games can facilitate collaborative problem-solving, encourage parental engagement and make homework more enjoyable. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Ems Lord, Director of NRICH, University of Cambridge Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge Grace Coker, Maths Content Specialist, Educati...
Nov 16, 2023•21 min•Ep. 78
In Part 1 of this discussion with Dr Ems Lord and Liz Woodham from NRICH and Grace Coker from the EEF, we explore the many benefits of using maths games in both primary and secondary classrooms. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Ems Lord, Director of NRICH, University of Cambridge Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge Grace Coker, Maths Content Specialist, Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) Julia Th...
Nov 09, 2023•20 min•Ep. 77
Find out about the benefits of getting involved in the work of your local Maths Hub as a participating school, but also what the impact is of having some of your staff become Local Leaders of Maths Education (LLME). A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Sarah Smith, Headteacher Advocate and Executive Headteacher at St Cuthbert's Catholic Academy and Christ the King Catholic Academy in Blackpool Gabriella May, Primary Mastery Specia...
Sep 28, 2023•24 min•Ep. 76
Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, Sue Johnston-Wilder, discusses the prevalence of anxiety in our maths classrooms. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Sue Johnston-Wilder, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Warwick and co-founder of the international Mathematical Resilience Network Rebecca Longworth, Communications Manager at the NCETM. Episode chapters 01.06 – Introduction and back...
Aug 17, 2023•29 min•Ep. 75
We explore how number lines can be used at KS2 to support children to develop a greater understanding of the linear number system and prepare them for secondary maths. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Jennifer Ruddock, deputy headteacher, Corrie Primary School, Denton Jordanna Worrall, head of maths, Denton Community College, Denton Julia Morgans, Maths Hub Lead, Turing North West Maths Hub Julia Thomson, Communications Manage...
Aug 10, 2023•24 min•Ep. 74
A secondary maths teacher explains the benefits of using algebra tiles, and shares some practical tips. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Lizi Pepper, secondary maths teacher and KS3 maths lead at Tytherington School, and Secondary Mastery Specialist Becky Donaldson, NCETM Assistant Director for Secondary Beth Goodliff, Senior Communications Manager at the NCETM. Episode chapters 00:34 – Introductions 01:16 – The big picture: w...
Jul 26, 2023•24 min•Ep. 73
Two Secondary Mastery Specialists explain the benefits of mastery to them, their departments, and their students. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Beth Goodliff, Senior Communications Manager at the NCETM Paula Kelly, Secondary Mastery Specialist, LLME, Maths PGCE tutor, and teacher at Fulford School in York Tom Lumley, Secondary Mastery Specialist, LLME, SCITT tutor, and teacher at South Hunsley School in East Yorkshire. Epis...
Jul 04, 2023•23 min•Ep. 72
A primary maths lead in an area of high social and economic deprivation explains how a mastery approach to teaching precise mathematical vocabulary is giving pupils in her school a voice. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Julia Thomson, Communications Manager at the NCETM Victoria Moore, maths lead and Year 5 teacher, Usworth Colliery Primary School. Episode chapters 00:06 – Introductions and school context 02:10 – How the scho...
Jul 03, 2023•19 min•Ep. 71
We speak to Maths4Girls, who provide inspirational speakers and role models to talk to students about why girls can and should study maths. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Beth Goodliff, Senior Comms Manager at the NCETM Mina Gerowin, founder of Maths4Girls Alison Rowan McEwan, executive director at Founders4Schools Noshin Begum, marketing and comms lead for Maths4Girls Lou Hoskyns-Staples, Research and Innovation Work Group Lead for ‘Girls and STEM’. Useful links Maths4Girls Research ...
Jun 08, 2023•28 min•Ep. 70
Every year the SHINE organisation gives grants to schools and individual teachers to develop ideas related to maths learning. We find out more about the grants and how the application system works. We also talk to to primary teachers about the projects they've received funding for. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Eleanor Heathcote, SHINE Roy Clutterbuck, Byron Wood Primary School, Sheffield Laura Jarvis, East Ward Primary School, Bury Steve McCormack, NCETM Communications Director Usef...
Dec 14, 2022•19 min•Ep. 69
In summer 2022, for the first time since 2019, large-scale GCSE exams took place in school and college halls and gyms. And, just like every year before the pandemic, they were marked externally. What have we learnt? In this discussion, representatives from the awarding bodies give feedback from the hundreds of thousands of papers that were marked. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Mark Heslop, Pearson/Edexcel Neil Ogden, OCR Andrew Taylor, AQA Steve McCormack, NCETM Communications Direct...
Oct 12, 2022•29 min•Ep. 68
Hollie Burgess teaches maths to Year 6 at a one-form entry primary school in Rutland. She’s recently taken on the role of maths lead. But she hasn’t always found maths easy – in fact her experience of maths GCSE was tortuous and demoralising. In this conversation Hollie shares the insights her experience has given her, into what some of her pupils might be experiencing. And she encourages teachers to recognise the importance of children’s confidence and happiness in helping them to learn. Show n...
Sep 29, 2022•24 min•Ep. 67
Two authors talk about their new resources and suggest tips for addressing social issues through maths There’s undoubtedly plenty of maths in climate change science. But how can teachers bring some of this real-life data into the classroom, allowing students to see maths as a tool to help interpret the world? Is this a maths teacher’s responsibility, or should they stick to more abstract maths? What is the best way to manage discussion on social (and potentially emotive) issues? MEI and the Roya...
Sep 23, 2022•36 min•Ep. 66
A wide ranging conversation covering engagement, curriculum, classroom culture, and preparing students for maths beyond school Susan Okereke is a secondary maths teacher in London, recently moving to St. Mark’s Academy in South London as Lead Practitioner in maths. She also leads Work Groups for the London SE Plus Maths Hub . Beyond that, she has developed a role as an independent ‘maths communicator’, aiming to make maths less frightening and more available to all, throughout their lives and no...
Aug 31, 2022•40 min•Ep. 65
How can a maths department and mentor best support their maths ECT? Sarah Williams is one of 2021/22’s maths Early Career Teachers (ECTs), and Scott Gibson is her mentor, with two decades of experience teaching maths. We talk to them about how department collaborative planning procedures and open, approachable mentoring have made Sarah’s first year in teaching ‘fantastic’! Show notes Taking part in the discussion are: Sarah Williams, maths ECT at David Nieper Academy Scott Gibson, maths teacher ...
Jul 19, 2022•30 min•Ep. 64
NCETM’s Director for Primary tells us why she thinks teachers no longer need to provide different work for different children Debbie Morgan, NCETM Director for Primary, has been considering the practice of differentiation in the primary maths classroom – specifically the practice of planning for different questioning and supplementary tasks for different groups of children, even where most of the lesson is taught to the whole class. Fresh from speaking at a number of summer conferences in 2022, ...
Jun 30, 2022•24 min•Ep. 63
