Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠

23:28

My guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we’re going to look at how marketing and communication execs are responding to the latest developments in the world while still needing to get their work done. To take a look at the latest here, I’d like to welcome back to the show Sue Keith, Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. About Sue Keith Sue Keith is Corporate Vice President at Landrum Talent Solutions. With deep expertise in navigating complex labor markets, Sue has a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of marketing roles, hiring trends, and the broader implications of AI and economic uncertainty. RESOURCES Landrum Talent Solutions: https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. https://www.landrumtalentsolutions.com Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Boston, August 11-14, 2025. Register now: https://bit.ly/etailboston and use code PARTNER20 for 20% off for retailers and brands Online Scrum Master Summit is happening June 17-19. This 3-day virtual event is open for registration. Visit www.osms25.com and get a 25% discount off Premium All-Access Passes with the code osms25agilebrand Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

22 days ago 47:53

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Episode 228: Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship

For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449

In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Tom Oakley as he reflects on three years in deputy headship and the lessons that have shaped his thinking as a school leader.

Across the episode, Tom explores what it means to support teachers through sustained change, manage growth in a dynamic school environment, and address the real (rather than ideal) needs of a school community. From navigating an Ofsted inspection to leading a growing school through difficult data and complex transitions, Tom shares the leadership insights forged in the realities of everyday school life.

We discuss:

The power of coaching in supporting teacher development
Designing and implementing a Wellbeing Curriculum from the ground up
Lessons learned about leadership, change management, and meeting context-specific challenges
The gap between what leaders want to happen and what actually needs to happen

Whether you’re an aspiring leader, new to senior leadership, or supporting leaders within your school, this is an honest, reflective conversation that bridges theory and the lived experience of leadership in primary schools.

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe to the YouTube channel, or join the conversation on our Discord server.

247 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Kieran Mackle

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

23 subscribers

published 22 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Episode 228: Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship

For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe

⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449

We discuss:

The power of coaching in supporting teacher development
Designing and implementing a Wellbeing Curriculum from the ground up
Lessons learned about leadership, change management, and meeting context-specific challenges
The gap between what leaders want to happen and what actually needs to happen

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe to the YouTube channel, or join the conversation on our Discord server.

247 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Kieran Mackle

All episodes

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Curriculum Coherence or Curricular Chaos? 35:11

23 hours ago35:11

35:11

Episode 231: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449 Contact us here or via support@alta-education.com In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we explore the 2025 paper "Curriculum and Mathematical Coherence" , a thought-provoking critique of how early number is introduced in national curricula. The paper argues that modern mathematics curricula (on a national level) lean too heavily on counting as the dominant conceptual foundation for number, often at the expense of coherence and conceptual progression. It draws a direct line from mid-20th century "New Math" reforms to today’s fragmented curriculum structures, raising questions about what we teach, how we sequence it, and what this means for the learners in front of us. We discuss: Why “counting ≠ the whole story” when it comes to early number How and when coherence was lost, and what we can do to recover it The persistent tension between curriculum design and classroom practice What their analysis means for subject leaders Practical implications for primary teachers, maths leads, and those developing or critiquing maths schemes Whether you’re a curriculum thinker, subject lead, or classroom teacher keen to understand the research shaping mathematics education, this episode offers critical reflection and concrete takeaways.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
From the Classroom to Leadership: Building Cultures that Thrive 32:22

8 days ago32:22

32:22

Episode 230: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠⁠ newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⁠⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449 In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , Stuart Welsh is joined by Sana Syed, an experienced Early Years educator and school leader, for a conversation that explores the journey from classroom practitioner to influential team leader. With over a decade of experience, including more than ten years at NGS and a formative stint teaching seven-year-olds, Sana shares the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to teaching and leadership. We delve into what inspired her to step into leadership, the values that guide her practice, and the importance of creating a reflective, supportive school culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities to grow. We also discuss: How school leaders can cultivate trust and collaboration within their teams The role of ongoing professional learning in sustaining motivation and joy Advice for emerging leaders ready to make a broader impact Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned practitioner, or someone passionate about the Early Years, this episode offers rich insights into what it means to lead with purpose, curiosity, and care. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, or consider supporting the podcast via www.ko-fi.com/tdape . You can also join the conversation in our Discord community, where educators from around the world share ideas and questions.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Beyond Sentence Stems: Deep Scaffolding for Inclusive Literacy 51:32

15 days ago51:32

51:32

Episode 229: For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠⁠ newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⁠⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449 In this instalment of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I welcome Rachel Ball and Alex Fairlamb back to the podcast to explore scaffolding in reading, writing and oracy. Drawing on insights from their forthcoming book The Scaffolding Effect: Supporting All Students to Succeed (Routledge, July 2025) Routledge , the conversation unpicks how purposeful, time-limited support can elevate both oracy and literacy. We delve into: why structured talk is the gateway to high-quality writing practical routines that fade, rather than fossilise, support aligning scaffolds with cognitive load theory and adaptive teaching avoiding common misconceptions such as over-prompts and dependency traps actionable takeaways that busy teachers can try on Monday morning Whether you are refining sentence-level work or nurturing whole-class dialogue, this episode offers a research-informed blueprint for helping every pupil find their voice on the page and in the room.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship 47:53

22 days ago47:53

47:53

Episode 228: Three Lessons Learned from Three Years in Deputy Headship For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the ⁠Hey! What You Reading For ⁠ newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe ⁠Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru ⁠ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449 In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Tom Oakley as he reflects on three years in deputy headship and the lessons that have shaped his thinking as a school leader. Across the episode, Tom explores what it means to support teachers through sustained change, manage growth in a dynamic school environment, and address the real (rather than ideal) needs of a school community. From navigating an Ofsted inspection to leading a growing school through difficult data and complex transitions, Tom shares the leadership insights forged in the realities of everyday school life. We discuss: The power of coaching in supporting teacher development Designing and implementing a Wellbeing Curriculum from the ground up Lessons learned about leadership, change management, and meeting context-specific challenges The gap between what leaders want to happen and what actually needs to happen Whether you’re an aspiring leader, new to senior leadership, or supporting leaders within your school, this is an honest, reflective conversation that bridges theory and the lived experience of leadership in primary schools. If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to leave a review, subscribe to the YouTube channel, or join the conversation on our Discord server.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Lessons learned from a classroom sabbatical with Lisa Coe 9:45

25 days ago9:45

9:45

Archive 011+2: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share the lessons she learned by taking a break from the classroom to work for a company supporting schools and teachers with their mathematics professional development. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of learning that can take place on an education sabbatical. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen. #PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #ElementaryEducation…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Thinking Deeply about Conceptual Understanding 39:50

29 days ago39:50

39:50

Episode 227: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by mathematics educator and doctoral researcher Will Mcloughlin to explore the complex and vital theme of conceptual understanding in mathematics education. Drawing on his teaching experience in the UAE and his academic research into how conceptual understanding develops, particularly through the use of animations, Will shares insights that challenge surface-level thinking and encourage educators to think more deeply about the knowledge their students are building. We discuss: – What conceptual understanding really means and why definitions matter – How Will developed his own definition through doctoral research – The challenges of developing conceptual understanding in the classroom – The potential role of visual tools and animations in fostering deeper comprehension – Practical implications for classroom teachers and curriculum designers If you’ve ever wondered whether your students are truly making connections or simply memorising procedures, this episode will offer food for thought and practical guidance to support your professional thinking. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape . You can also join our community on Discord, where conversations like this continue throughout the week. For show notes, links, and a summary episode, sign up for the What You Reading For newsletter. Mondays at 7am BST - https://tdape.beehiiv.com/subscribe Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-tickets-1295761139449…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
School-wide maths improvement with Lisa Coe 7:30

5 weeks ago7:30

7:30

Archive 012: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , primary mathematics expert, Lisa Coe returns to share her thoughts on implementing change on a school-wide level. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of thinking that shapes high-quality classroom practice across the globe. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen. #PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #ElementaryEducation…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Literacy Leadership, Testing and Disciplinary Reading with Chris Such 31:36

5 weeks ago31:36

31:36

In this special episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , Chris Such returns to tackle three brilliant questions from our listeners, exploring the intersection of pedagogy, leadership, and literacy development. Drawing on years of research and classroom experience, we dive into some of the most commonly debated areas of primary practice: Should we go through test papers with the whole class a few days after the assessment? How might we support a new literacy lead during their first twelve weeks, ensuring fidelity to new reading structures while maintaining teacher ownership? What routines support disciplinary reading once decoding is fluent, and how can we embed these without narrowing the curriculum? If you're a classroom teacher, subject leader, or school leader with an interest in making reading instruction as effective and inclusive as possible, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing on your favourite platform, leaving a review, or supporting us via ⁠ko-fi.com/tdape⁠ . Join the conversation on our Discord server and never miss an unseen question submission! Click for tickets to TDaPE Conference Cymru…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
The One Paper Every Primary Teacher Should Read – with Lloyd Williams-Jones 11:19

6 weeks ago11:19

11:19

Archive Episode 011: In this archive edition of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , expert leader and education research enjoyer, Lloyd Williams-Jones returns to share the research paper he believes every primary teacher should read. More than just a recommendation, Lloyd breaks down why this paper matters, how it connects to everyday classroom practice, and what makes it so transformative for teachers at all stages of their careers. In this episode, you'll find out: Which research paper Lloyd believes is essential reading for all primary educators. How the ideas within it translate to real-world classroom impact. Why engaging with educational research is vital for professional growth in the UK, the US, and internationally. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers a gateway into the kind of research that shapes high-quality classroom practice across the globe. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a rating and review to help fellow educators discover the show. We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your reflections wherever you listen. #PrimaryEducation #EducationalResearch #TeacherDevelopment #EvidenceInformedPractice #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #ElementaryEducation…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
From Planning to Practice: Mastering Professional Development Design 30:26

6 weeks ago30:26

30:26

Episode 225: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Stuart Welsh to explore what it takes to design effective professional development sessions that truly make an impact. We discuss the thought processes behind planning professional development episodes, the models that can scaffold effective session design, common mistakes to avoid, and the essential ingredients for creating professional development that resonates with teachers and leads to lasting change. Whether you're a school leader, professional development facilitator, or teacher interested in improving how professional learning is delivered, this conversation is packed with practical insights and reflections from Stuart’s experience. If you enjoy this episode, please consider subscribing on your favourite platform, leaving a review, or supporting us via ko-fi.com/tdape . Join the conversation on our Discord server and never miss an unseen question submission!…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Driving School-Wide Change with Lloyd Williams-Jones 12:02

7 weeks ago12:02

12:02

Archive 010: In this archive episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we revisit a powerful response to a question about school-wide change with education leader Lloyd Williams-Jones. Lloyd explores exactly what it means - and takes - to successfully instigate and sustain meaningful change across an entire school community. Drawing from extensive leadership experience, Lloyd provides practical insights into managing school-wide improvements effectively. Whether you're an educator or school leader in the UK, US, or beyond, this episode offers invaluable guidance for creating lasting improvements in your educational environment. Enjoying the podcast? Leave a rating and review - it helps educators worldwide discover our content. Share your feedback wherever you listen! #PrimaryEducation #SchoolLeadership #ChangeManagement #EducationPodcast #TeachingTips #InternationalSchools #ElementaryEducation…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Standing Room Only – Deconstructing Word Problems by Gareth Metcalfe 29:55

7 weeks ago29:55

29:55

Episode 224: This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , we bring you a special "Standing Room Only" session led by Gareth Metcalfe. Following last week's discussion, Gareth returns to walk us through the thinking and practicalities behind his project Deconstructing Word Problems . In this CPD-style talk, Gareth shares: The rationale behind deconstructing word problems and the need for a consistent approach. How slow reveal, minimally different examples, and visual representations can help pupils process mathematical structure more effectively. The importance of carefully designed variation and redundant information in promoting deeper understanding. How his classroom-tested materials are structured and how teachers can implement them meaningfully in classrooms This episode is ideal for teachers, maths leads, and school leaders interested in deepening mathematical reasoning and improving outcomes through carefully designed problem-solving experiences. For more info, visit: https://iseemaths.com/deconwq2 To watch on YouTube click here Vision page: https://www.iseemaths.com/problemsolvers/ If you enjoy this episode, please support the podcast by subscribing on YouTube, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape . Join the conversation over on our Discord server.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Deconstructing Word Problems with Gareth Metcalfe 39:51

8 weeks ago39:51

39:51

Episode 223: In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , I’m joined by Gareth Metcalfe and Elliot Morgan to explore the ideas behind Gareth's latest project: Deconstructing Word Problems . After three years of development and classroom testing, Gareth shares the thinking and pedagogy that underpin his approach to designing word problems that genuinely help students understand mathematical structures—not just guess at operations. We discuss: The process of breaking down worded questions so that children can process them more effectively. How to design lessons that go beyond isolated word problems and towards connected, meaningful experiences. The role of visual modelling, slow reveal tasks, and redundant information in developing mathematical thinking. Pitfalls teachers often encounter when adapting word problems and how to avoid them. How teachers and schools can get the most out of Gareth’s new resources at icmaths.com/deconwq2 . Whether you’re a teacher looking to refine your use of word problems or a maths lead developing school-wide consistency, this episode is packed with practical insight and classroom-tested strategies. If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape . Join the discussion on Discord via our unseen question submission channel.…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Teaching Through Comparison: What Works and When? 1:00:10

9 weeks ago1:00:10

1:00:10

This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education , Emma Lindley-Thompson and John Jackson dive into a landmark study by Bethany Rittle-Johnson and Jon Star: Does comparing solution methods facilitate conceptual and procedural knowledge? We explore: The premise of the study and how the researchers tested their hypothesis through equation-solving tasks. Key findings that shed light on the benefits and challenges of comparing solution methods. Where the responsibility lies—should the teacher or the curriculum initiate comparison-based learning? Whether and how teachers can balance direct instruction with opportunities for pupils to explore and compare independently. How we might adapt these findings for the primary classroom , ensuring comparisons support learning without overwhelming students. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone teaching mathematics, developing curriculum, or interested in research-informed approaches to deepening conceptual understanding. If you enjoy this episode, please support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel, leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or making a donation via www.ko-fi.com/tdape . Join the discussion on our Discord server!…

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

1
Writing First, Assessment Second: A Conversation with Chris Youles 44:53

10 weeks ago44:53