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:- Geoff Barton, Chair of the Oracy Education Commission
- Jane Hawkins, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics, NCETM
- Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.
- 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
- 01:22 Meet Jane Hawkins and Geoff Barton
- 01:50 The importance of oracy in education
- 03:19 Disciplinary oracy in mathematics
- 04:17 Revelations about oracy from maths
- 06:49 Challenges and solutions in teaching maths
- 12:13 The role of teachers in oracy-rich classrooms
- 15:04 The impact of oracy on student behaviour and engagement
- 19:53 Assessment and the future of oracy
- 27:48 Oracy and disadvantaged pupils
- 36:46 Teacher professional development in oracy
- 49:46 Conclusion and further resources.
- Oracy Education Commission report – We need to talk (October 2024)
- The Commission Conversations – Tim Oates
- The Commission Conversations – David Thomas
- Discover more from the Commission Conversations podcast archive
- NCETM feature: We need to talk (about maths) (February 2025)
- Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups
- Bullock Report: A Language for Life (HMSO, 1975)
- EEF Secondary Maths Practice Review (June 2024)
- The NCETM Maths Podcast – Oracy in the maths classroom
- NCETM: The role of oracy in the context of teaching for mastery
- All-Party Parliamentary Group Report, Speak for Change
- Voice 21 Oracy Framework
- TES article: Neil Mercer: Oracy is still not properly understood (May 2025)
- Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.