The School of School

Episodi

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  Episode 245: Can ‘aha’ moments be engineered? 25.09.2026 14min

  We’re back with a bang! Our trio are exploring the ‘aha’ moment topic even further this week, asking if those special moments can be engineered. They discuss the importance of orchestrating learning experiences that foster these moments, the role of intuition in teaching, and the joy of discovery in the learning process.
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  Episode 244: How different types of constraints can influence student performance 11.06.2026 12min

  In this episode, our hosts discuss the concept of learning within constraints, exploring how different types of constraints can influence creativity, decision-making, and student performance. They emphasise the importance of understanding these constraints in educational settings and how they can shape both teaching methods and student outcomes.
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  Episode 243: The Post-AI Handwriting Renaissance 20.05.2026 12min

  Our trio is back! This week, Adam, Andy, and Robin explore the presence handwriting in an ever-growing digital world. One of our earliest ever episodes was ‘Pen vs Pencil’, now is the debate ‘stylus vs. keyboard vs. paper’? Does writing open up new possibilities that digital tools don't? And does the act of writing down thoughts engages the brain differently? Our experts discuss!
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  Episode 242: The ‘Aha’ moment 05.05.2026 13min

  This week, Robin and Andy delve into the essence of learning moments, particularly focusing on the significance of 'aha' moments in education. How can we facilitate these moments? How important is joy of learning? And what are the intrinsic rewards that come from overcoming challenges and achieving understanding? Find out!
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  Episode 241: Sneaky strategies children use to avoid work. What’s the remedy? 09.04.2026 14min

  Are you paying attention? Andy and Robin this week are discussing the various strategies that students use to avoid tasks in the classroom. They explore common procrastination techniques, the importance of teacher engagement, and how technology affects student focus. What can help keep kids on task?
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  Episode 240: Qualities of Effective Teachers and Learning Environments 19.03.2026 12min

  Andy and Robin this week are discussing their insights from visiting various schools and observing classrooms. They explore; some similarities among students and teachers, the importance of enthusiasm in learning, and the dynamics that create effective classroom environments.
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  Episode 239: Navigating the Challenges of Curriculum Implementation 06.03.2026 21min

  Our trio are joined this week by experienced educator, Jerry Mussio, from British Columbia. We’re discussing the historical context of curriculum implementation, the challenges faced by teachers, and the role of policymakers in shaping education. What are the systematic issues within educational frameworks? Is more support needed for teachers in effectively implementing curriculum changes? Plus, Jerry emphasises the necessity of returning to real-world experiences in policy-making and the influence of external agencies on curriculum development.
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  Episode 238: The Importance of Community in Education 19.02.2026 21min

  We’re talking community this week on The School of School Podcast, with special guest, Sarah Matthews joining us. Sarah’s school has a nearby army barracks, so has high mobility. What things does her school do to build a sense of community and safety for pupils? How are transitions for newly-joining students managed? Find out!
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  Episode 237: Differentiated Instruction 12.02.2026 16min

  We’re delving into differentiation this week, chatting about various strategies for differentiation, including scaffolding, varying learning environments, and adapting expectations based on student readiness. Do pupils get labelled too soon based off of perceived ability?
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  Episode 236: Is Mastery a buzz word? What does it actually mean? 29.01.2026 12min

  This week, our trio are discussing a word that can have many meanings to many different people in education: Mastery. Our crew focus on the distinction between instrumental and relational understanding in mathematics, and how in other fields, the two types of understanding apply.
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  Episode 235: Problem solving is essential in mathematics education 22.01.2026 15min

  In this episode, our hosts delve into the concept of problem solving, discussing its historical context, significance, and practical applications. We explore the contributions of both George Polya and the Cockroft Report.
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  Episode 234: What is Metacognition? 18.12.2025 15min

  It’s time to wrap up our core competency mini series, with Metacognition. Why is consistent practice of metacognitive strategies essential for improvement? What is Andy talking about when he says the teacher needs to act the buffoon? Plus, we revisit why the core competencies are so important.
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  Episode 233: Understanding Number Sense 04.12.2025 12min

  This week’s core competency is Number Sense. What does having good number sense mean? How can we spot if students have poor number sense? Plus, the gang share the importance of contextual understanding of number.
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  Episode 232: Communication — Peer interaction is vital for learning 27.11.2025 15min

  This week’s focus is another core competency, Communication. We’re wondering — Is reading mathematically completely overlooked? What did Lev Vygotsky teach us about interactions and social learning? And should teachers be facilitating more opportunities for talk? Listen to find out!
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  Episode 231: Generalisation — key for fostering adaptability, independence, and problem-solving abilities 20.11.2025 12min

  The next core competency our hosts want to chat about is Generalisation. How important is it for learners to make links and apply certain knowledge to new and varied situations? Plus, ever heard of Zoltan Dienes? Andy explains the two types of variation that Dienes is famous for discussing.
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  Episode 230: Exploring the 5 Core Competencies - Visualisation 13.11.2025 9min

  Over the next five weeks we’re diving into the '5 Core Competencies'. This week, we look at visualisation, a crucial skill needed for problem solving. Our trio discuss the importance of Jerome Bruner's CPA approach, the dangers of rote, and more!
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  Episode 229: Teachers only get THIS many hours of maths training 06.11.2025 21min

  Oboe experts, Being anti-maths, and more. We’re reposting this fantastic episode about teacher training — with our hosts looking into how many hours teachers actually 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…
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  Episode 228: Curriculum decisions — Who makes them and how impactful are they? 30.10.2025 24min

  This week our trio discuss the complexities of curriculum organisation in mathematics education. How are curriculum decisions are made? Does the secret to success lie more in the curriculum or in the classroom? Plus, hear how scales and analogue issues might be a problem without the right guidance!
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  Episode 227: Can AI Replace Teachers? 23.10.2025 20min

  In this episode, our hosts discuss the implications of AI in education, exploring whether it could replace teachers. Is human connection even that important? Will the future of education involve a blend of AI and human teaching? Plus, the crew note that the role of a teacher goes beyond just transferring knowledge…
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  Episode 226: Building trust and creating a culture of improvement — The impact of Professional Learning Communities 09.10.2025 25min

  We’re Andy-less this week, but luckily joined by the fantastic Neil and Rosie from St Bridget’s once again. This week we’re discussing the importance of professional learning communities in education, focusing on how they foster collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement among teachers. Just how key is that supportive environment for teachers? Plus, we hear an a-ha moment to remember!