The NCETM Podcast Episode 88

Episode 90 - Core Maths: Then, Now and Next

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Howard Astley-Jones talks with Professor Paul Glaister CBE about the origins, development and impact of Core Maths since its introduction in the mid-2010s. They discuss why the qualification was created to address the gap for students progressing beyond GCSE without taking A level Maths, and how it supports problem solving, quantitative reasoning, statistics and communication for higher education and employment. Paul reflects on policy drivers, including the Royal Society and other reports, and the importance of university support and universal provision. Howard shares recent entry trends and the role of the Core Maths Premium, and outlines AMSP and Maths Hubs professional development pathways and support for teachers. The episode also introduces AMiE and its mission for mathematics education. A transcript [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/media/759ad84566144dffb70c9856335ea3df%7D] (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: * Professor Paul Glaister CBE, Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, University of Reading * Howard Astley-Jones, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics and Level 3 Coordinator, NCETM. Episode chapters * 00:00 Welcome and Overview * 01:29 Meet Professor Paul Glaister CBE * 02:33 Origins of Core Maths * 06:58 Why Core Maths matters * 09:07 Misconceptions and barriers * 13:17 Growth and future ambitions * 19:26 Supporters of Core Maths * 22:12 What Core Maths involves * 28:51 Teacher support and CPD * 30:10 Final case for Core Maths * 33:18 Introducing the Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE) * 36:28 Closing and resources. Useful links * Core Maths qualifications: technical guidance [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/core-maths-qualifications-technical-guidance], DfE (2017) * Core Maths professional development [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/classroom-resources/post-16-resources/], NCETM * Core Maths professional development [https://amsp.org.uk/teachers/core-maths/], AMSP * Report from the Expert Panel on Core Maths [https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/publications/2013/report-from-the-expert-panel-on-core-mathematics/], Royal Society (2013) * Post-16 Mathematics: A Strategy for Improving Provision and Participation [https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/publications/2012/post-16-mathematics-a-strategy-for-improving-provision-and-participation/], Royal Society (2012) * Is the UK an Outlier? An international comparison of upper secondary mathematics education [https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/project/is-the-uk-an-outlier-in-upper-secondary-maths-education], Nuffield Foundation (2010) * Mathematical Transitions: A Report on the Mathematical and Statistical Needs of Students Undertaking Undergraduate Studies [https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/mathematical-transitions-report-mathematical-and-statistical-needs-students], Higher Education Academy (2011) * Report of Professor Sir Adrian Smith's Review of Post-16 Mathematics [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a82d0b340f0b62305b947f0/AS_review_report.pdf], Sir Adrian Smith for the DfE (2017) * A new approach to mathematical and data education [https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/publications/2025/maths-futures-conference/], Royal Society (2024) * Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE) [https://amie.org.uk/] * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/?Y=600&type=Podcast].

Episode 89 Teaching maths in Year 6

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Debbie Morgan, Director for Primary at the NCETM, talks with Suzanne Mathews, primary maths adviser across a trust of 25 primary schools and Assistant Maths Hub Lead for Möbius Maths Hub. Suzanne explains how her trust approaches mathematics in Year 6. She discusses which learning to prioritise, how daily fluency and arithmetic routines are structured, and how reasoning is developed so that pupils are well prepared for secondary school. She also shares what secondary teachers value most when students move into Year 7. The episode highlights the free downloadable NCETM resources used across their Year 6 classrooms to secure learning and address gaps. A transcript [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/media/5b1htyrb/the-ncetm-podcast-episode-89-teaching-maths-in-year-6.pdf] (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: * Susanne Matthews, Assistant Maths Hub Lead at Möbius Maths Hub and Primary Maths Advisor at White Horse Federation * Debbie Morgan, Director for Primary, NCETM. Episode chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast * 01:50 Teaching for mastery approaches * 02:26 Year 6 priorities beyond SATs * 05:01 Daily arithmetic and fluency routines * 06:51 Reasoning and goal-free problems * 08:40 What domains matter most for secondary * 10:14 Diagnosing gaps with the ready-to-progress criteria * 11:30 Times table facts * 12:47 Applying facts for multiplicative reasoning * 14:03 Key takeaways and next steps * 15:29 Thanks and resources in show notes. Useful links * Mathematics guidance: key stages 1 and 2 [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teaching-mathematics-in-primary-schools] * Exemplification of ready-to-progress criteria [../../%7BlocalLink:umb://document/860ee83b41384d5581b9a6db2ea24bb8%7D] * Coordinating mathematical success: the mathematics subject report [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/subject-report-series-maths/coordinating-mathematical-success-the-mathematics-subject-report] (Ofsted, 2023) * School inspection: toolkit, operating guides and information [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information] (Ofsted, 2025) * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/?Y=600&type=Podcast].

The NCETM Podcast Episode 88

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Julia Thomson from the NCETM’s Communications Team discusses the STEM Ambassador programme with guests Michael Anderson, former education lead for mathematics at STEM Learning, and Garry Packer, a retired electronic engineer and STEM Ambassador. They explore how the programme supports maths education in primary and secondary settings, the roles and experiences of STEM Ambassadors, and practical advice for teachers on how to integrate STEM careers into their curriculum. The conversation highlights the impact of real-world connections on students’ mathematical understanding and career aspirations, providing insights for both educators and potential STEM Ambassadors. A transcript [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/media/ts3f5at2/the-ncetm-podcast-episode-88-exploring-the-stem-ambassador-programme-inspiring-maths-education-in-schools.pdf] (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: * Michael Anderson, teacher of maths and MEI Local Lead * Garry Packer, retired electronic engineer and current STEM Ambassador * Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast * 01:10 Meet the guests: Garry Packer and Michael Anderson * 02:00 Understanding the STEM Ambassador programme * 03:11 Garry's journey as a STEM Ambassador * 04:12 Engaging maths workshops for schools * 07:08 How to get a STEM Ambassador for your school * 09:55 Maximising the impact of STEM Ambassador visits * 11:37 The broader impact of STEM Ambassadors * 13:01 Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador * 14:24 Hidden careers in STEM * 17:08 Becoming a STEM governor * 19:11 Conclusion and final thoughts. Useful links * STEM Ambassador programme [https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors] * The Operational Research Society [https://www.theorsociety.com/] * Register [https://signin.stem.org.uk/u/signup?state=hKFo2SBqNWFNNWtjd1JtUXdocjd2ZUV6SWlPekZvcTd6SnBMUqFur3VuaXZlcnNhbC1sb2dpbqN0aWTZIGVpY29FTzRTNElwRjB6eWloUktHOXRNakpDaU9kTWVio2NpZNkgZzRCN0NMd0VpZzQ1b25SZ09NVW43OHY5SmpEazVSOGQ] with STEM Learning * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/?Y=600&type=Podcast].

Teacher Professionalism: a conversation with Professor Dame Alison Peacock

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 [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/media/hmndipid/the-ncetm-podcast-episode-87-teacher-professionalism-a-conversation-with-professor-dame-alison-peacock.pdf] (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: * Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching * Gaynor Bahan, Assistant Director for System Leadership, NCETM * Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM. Episode chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast * 00:59 Exploring teacher professionalism * 02:15 The Chartered College of Teaching * 03:27 Domains of teacher professionalism * 12:19 Challenges and opportunities in teacher professionalism * 16:25 The role of collaboration in professional development * 23:26 Empowering teachers through leadership roles * 29:14 The importance of professional learning and recognition * 40:00 Final reflections on teacher professionalism. Useful links * Chartered College of Teaching Report – Revisiting the Notion of Teacher Professionalism [https://chartered.college/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professionalism-report_v.2_FINAL-FOR-PUBLICATION_2-May-1.pdf] (Müller & Cook, May 2024) * The Chartered College of Teaching [https://chartered.college/] * Beyond the maths classroom: how trusts can support teacher professionalism [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/beyond-the-maths-classroom-how-trusts-can-support-teacher-professionalism/] (NCETM, October 2024) * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/?Y=600&type=Podcast].

We need to talk: exploring the Oracy Commission Report

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 [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/media/rrmjma3w/the-ncetm-podcast-episode-86-we-need-to-talk-exploring-the-oracy-commission-report.pdf] (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. Episode chapters * 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. Useful links * Oracy Education Commission report – We need to talk [https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/oec-report/] (October 2024) * The Commission Conversations – Tim Oates [https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/the-commission-conversations-tim-oates/] * The Commission Conversations – David Thomas [https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/the-commission-conversations-david-thomas/] * Discover more from the Commission Conversations podcast archive [https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/listen/] * NCETM feature: We need to talk (about maths) (February 2025) [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/features/we-need-to-talk-about-maths/] * Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/maths-hubs-projects/research-and-innovation-work-groups/] * Bullock Report: A Language for Life [https://www.education-uk.org/documents/bullock/bullock1975.html] (HMSO, 1975) * EEF Secondary Maths Practice Review [https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/education-evidence/evidence-reviews/secondary-maths-practice-review] (June 2024) * The NCETM Maths Podcast – Oracy in the maths classroom [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/podcasts/oracy-in-the-maths-classroom-part-1/] * NCETM: The role of oracy in the context of teaching for mastery [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/teaching-for-mastery/mastery-explained/oracy/] * All-Party Parliamentary Group Report, Speak for Change [https://voice21.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Oracy_APPG_FinalReport_28_04-4.pdf] * Voice 21 Oracy Framework [https://voice21.org/what-is-oracy/] * TES article: Neil Mercer: Oracy is still not properly understood [https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/general/neil-mercer-why-oracy-should-be-introduced-in-schools-curriculum] (May 2025) * Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive [https://www.ncetm.org.uk/news-features/?Y=600&type=Podcast].