The NCETM Maths Podcast

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 (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

The Operational Research Society

Register with STEM Learning

Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

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 (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 (Müller & Cook, May 2024)

The Chartered College of Teaching

Beyond the maths classroom: how trusts can support teacher professionalism (NCETM, October 2024)

Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

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.

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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 (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.

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.

Show notes
Taking part in the discussion:

Jen Shearman, Director for Evaluation and Impact, NCETM

Sue Evans, Assistant Director for Primary, NCETM

Paul Rowlandson, Assistant Director for School and Professional Development, NCETM

Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

00:00 Introduction and welcome

01:12 Meet the team and overview of the EEF trials

01:57 Understanding the EEF and its role

03:31 The NCETM's involvement with the EEF

06:11 Introduction to the SKTM Secondary Non-specialist Teachers Programme

09:28 Introduction to the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Programme

12:02 Challenges in conducting the trials

22:01 Hopes and expectations from the trials

31:04 Conclusion and how to get involved.

Useful links

Specialist Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics Secondary Non-specialist Teachers Programme

Mastering Number at Reception and KS1

Mastering Number at KS2

Blog post on the EEF trials: Going for gold standard

Evaluating our programmes in 2025/26

EEF trial of the Secondary Non-specialist Teachers SKTM Programme

EEF trial of the Mastering Number at Reception and KS1 Programme

TIMMS 2023 Report

Coordinating mathematical success: the mathematics subject report (2023)

Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

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 and Carol also touch upon the implications for the NCETM and the Maths Hubs Programme, and the projects underway to address the issues highlighted in the review.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

Show notes
Taking part in the discussion:

Carol Knights, Director for Secondary Maths, NCETM

Dr. Jen Shearman, Director for Evaluation and Impact, NCETM

Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

Episode chapters

00:00 Introduction and welcome

01:19 Overview of the EEF Secondary maths practice review

03:02 Key findings: teacher skills and expertise

04:24 Addressing the shortage of maths teachers

05:11 Impact of COVID on disadvantaged students

07:35 The importance of mathematical talk

10:01 Integrating problem-solving in maths lessons

13:02 Use of representations and manipulatives in secondary maths

16:16 NCETM and Maths Hubs professional development

18:39 Future directions and recommendations

22:43 Conclusion and final thoughts.

Useful links

EEF Secondary maths practice review (2024)

Maths Hubs Securing Foundations in Year 7 project

Maths Hubs Secondary Non-specialist Teachers (SKTM) Programme

Maths Hubs Years 5-8 Continuity project

Oracy Education Commission We Need to Talk (2024)

Ofsted Coordinating Mathematical Success: the mathematics subject report (2023).

Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.