Warts and all, Opinionated kids, and more. In this episode of the School of School podcast, hosts Andy, Robin, and Adam discuss their recent school visits and the insights gained from observing students and teachers. What’s it like being a fly on the wall? Does engaging with students who struggle provide valuable insights? Plus, talk of how the environment of a classroom can significantly impact learning.

Children teachers, SEN advice, and more. Craig Robinson is back again, this time joined by Gill MacDonald to share their insights from teaching using Maths — No Problem! Are they now better equipped to help struggling learners? How can teachers teaching less be a good thing? Plus, Gill was ‘the most reluctant teacher’ when it came to changing their maths programme, find out how things have changed since then.

Training investments, Concrete in Year 6, and more. This week we have Matt Bland, Assistant Head and Specialist Education Leader at Our Lady’s Bishop Eton Primary School join us. We’re discussing his school and their ten-plus year journey with maths mastery. Just how impactful has CPD been on practitioners? Plus, girls previously weren’t interested in taking maths at A-Level, but are they now?

Small steps, Different interpretations, and more. We’ve got Sana Malik, Assistant Headteacher and Local Leader of Maths (new role since recording) at St Mary’s in Moss Side, Manchester with us to talk about mastery. Is it dangerous that people have different definitions of the word? Plus, chat about how to be successful in following a mastery approach — what elements do you need in place to succeed?

Composition of Number, Imaginative youngsters, and more. Laurice Prempeh is back with us this week to share her experience of teaching at both ends of the school. What was it like stepping into an Early Years classroom as teacher for the first time? Did she now recognise where learning links could become broken as they go up the school? Plus, how did Laurice deal with the challenge of pupils not being able to read in the Early Years class?

Sneaker deals, Eat-sleep-drinking Bar models, and more. Crenstant Williams joins us again from Bermuda to discuss the impact the bar modelling approach has had on learners and educators. What was the catalyst for spreading this around the country? Why was this not a thing years ago? Plus, a heart-warming moment of a pupil who returned to give their thanks — don’t miss it.

Oboe experts, Being anti-maths, and more. We’re talking teacher training this week, looking in how many hours teachers get to explore maths during their training. How serious can the knock-on effects be if something is misunderstood by a child early on? Why are there different attitudes to other subjects? Plus, we talk about the unique circumstance of how usually the people holding teachers accountable aren’t adults…

‘Jinfant’ life, Siloed subjects, and more. We’re lucky to be joined again by someone who has so many roles that fitting them in this description box would be a challenge in itself! It’s Alison Borthwick, who is back to talk all things maths — from her journey from maths-phobic to maths expert, to discussing the current issues in education. Plus, if Alison became ‘Maths Prime Minister’ what would be the first thing she’d sort? Find out!