The NCETM Maths Podcast

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 spec...

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.

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...

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 reasoni...

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.

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 te...

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 y...

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.

• Emily Dixon, Year 1 teacher at Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy, Sheffie...

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.

• Sue Evans, NCETM Assistant Director for P...

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 ...

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 ot...

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)...

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 Al...

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.

• Ems Lord, Director of NRICH, University of Cambridge
• Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, U...

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.

• Ems Lord, Director of NRICH, University of Cambridge
• Liz Woodham, Primary Coordinator, NRICH, University of Cambridge
• Grace Coker, Ma...

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.

• Sarah Smith, Headteacher Advocate and Executive Headteacher at St Cuthbert's Catholic Academy and Christ the Kin...

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.

• 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...

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.

• Jennifer Ruddock, deputy headteacher, Corrie Primary School, Denton
• Jordanna Worrall, head of maths, Denton Community College, Denton
• Julia Morgans, Maths Hub L...

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.

• 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 NCE...