The NCETM Maths Podcast

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, ethics and knowledge sharing among teachers. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links Revisiting the Notion of Teacher ProfessionalismThe Chartered College of TeachingBeyond the maths classroom: how trusts can support teacher professionalismarchive

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 development for teachers. Geoff references valuable insights and case studies, including contributions from experts such as Tim Oates and David Thomas, as well as practical examples from schools successfully implementing oracy strategies. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. audio file here Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links We need to talkTim OatesDavid ThomasCommission Conversations podcast archiveWe need to talk (about maths) (February 2025)Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work GroupsA Language for LifeEEF Secondary Maths Practice ReviewOracy in the maths classroomThe role of oracy in the context of teaching for masterySpeak for ChangeOracy FrameworkNeil Mercer: Oracy is still not properly understoodarchive

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: Episode chapters Useful links Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Secondary Non-specialist Teachers ProgrammeMastering Number at Reception and KS1Mastering Number at KS2Blog post on the EEF trials: Going for gold standardEvaluating our programmes in 2025/26EEF trial of the Secondary Non-specialist Teachers SKTM ProgrammeEEF trial of the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 ProgrammeTIMMS 2023 ReportCoordinating mathematical success: the mathematics subject report (2023)archive

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 the Maths Hubs Programme, and the projects underway to address the issues highlighted in the review. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links Secondary maths practice reviewSecuring Foundations in Year 7Secondary Non-specialist Teachers (SKTM) ProgrammeYears 5-8 ContinuityWe Need to TalkCoordinating Mathematical Success: the mathematics subject reportarchive

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 transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. audio file Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links NRICH Problem-solving Schools initiativeNRICH Kilpatrick Rope ModelMake 37Episode 77 - Maths GamesFive Big Ideas in Teaching for MasteryResearch and Innovation in the Maths Hubs Networkarchive

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: Episode chapters Useful links Part 1Speak for ChangewebsiteTalk TacticsHow to develop independent student discussionTalking Point publicationOracy BenchmarksImpact ReportNCETM Primary Curriculum Prioritisation materialsNCETM Checkpoints for KS3Interthinking: Putting Talk to WorkTalking Points: Discussion Activities in the Primary ClassroomFind your local Maths HubMaths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups (RIWGs)archiveThe NCETM Maths Podcast

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 download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links Speak for ChangeVoice 21 Impact Report 2022-2023Voice 21 Oracy FrameworkMaths Hubs Research and Innovation Work GroupsA Language for LifeDialogic Teaching ReportOracy Programme PilotCoordinating Mathematical Success: the mathematics subject reportarchiveThe NCETM Maths Podcast

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 can also find The NCETM Maths Podcast on Instagram: @themathspodcast. Be the first to hear about new episodes, and join in with the debate. If there is a topic you would like to hear us discuss on the podcast, let us know at: info@ncetm.org.uk.

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: Episode chapters Useful links Teach FirstPrimary Early Career Teachers ProgrammeSecondary Early Career Teachers ProgrammeTeaching for MasteryarchiveThe NCETM Maths Podcast

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: Episode chapters Useful links Images referred to in this episodeFind your local Maths HubThe Early Years section of our websiteMastering Number at Reception and KS1‘They can see it straight away’: the impact of Mastering NumberarchiveThe NCETM Maths Podcast

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 transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links Dyscalculia NetworkDyscalculia Awareness Day 2024The Dyscalculia Show 2024The Dyscalculia AssessmentThe Dyscalculia Solution: Teaching Number Sensegames for dyscalculic learnersSteve ChinnJudy HornigoldThe Maths and Dyscalculia Assessmentarchive

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 with maths and how to respond when children ask, ‘When will I ever need this again?’. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a differenceVihartMaths Games with Bad DrawingsMathematics for Human FlourishingLearning Mathematics for an Environmentally Sustainable FutureNCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development MaterialsWorking with Rods and WhyI Can't Do Maths - Podcast Episode 78 - Part 1I Can't Do Maths - Podcast Episode 78 - Part 2archive

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. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a differenceNCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development MaterialsJourneys on the Gattegno Tens ChartLearning Mathematics for an environmentally sustainable futureWorking with Rods and WhyI Can't Do Maths - Podcast Episode 78 - Part 1archive

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 episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a differenceNCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development MaterialsNCETM Curriculum Prioritisation in Primary MathsJourneys on the Gattegno Tens Chartarchive

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 episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Episode chapters Useful links I Can’t Do Maths! Why children say it and how to make a differenceNCETM Primary Mastery Professional Development MaterialsNCETM Curriculum Prioritisation in Primary MathsJourneys on the Gattegno Tens Chartarchive

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: Episode chapters Useful links Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1Working with Parents to Support Children’s LearningMaking Maths Visual and TactileGot ItNim-7Number HiveSolving TogetherPrimary gamesSecondary games archive

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: Episode chapters Useful links Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1Let’s Get Physical!Got ItNim-7Solving TogetherPrimary gamesSecondary games Checkpointsarchive

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: Episode chapters Useful links Primary Mastery SpecialistsMaths HubsTeaching for Masteryarchive

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: Mathematical Resilience Network Episode chapters Useful links A Toolkit for Teachers and Learners, Parents, Carers and Support Staff: Improving Mathematical Safeguarding and Building Resilience to Increase Effectiveness of Teaching and Learning MathematicsOvercoming Mathematical Helplessness and Developing Mathematical Resilience in Parents: An Illustrative Case StudyAddressing Mathematics Anxiety: A Case Study in a High School in BrazilDan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain videoarchive. Background reading

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: Episode chapters Useful links Issue 35Number Sense on the Number LineReady-to-Progress CriteriaYears 5-8 ContinuityVideo summaryFind your hubarchive. Diagnostic task Children from Year 5, 6 and 8 classes were asked to draw a number line, either from 1 to 100 or from 50 to 70, with intervals of 10 marked on the line. Teachers observed the spacing of the intervals and paid particular attention to whether children could accurately indicate the location of the midpoint. Diagram The number lines referred to by Jordanna can be viewed on the NCETM website.