From Maths Anxiety to Maths Advocacy: Leading Sustainable Change in Schools

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Author

Kieran Mackle
June 23, 2025

From Maths Anxiety to Maths Advocacy: Leading Sustainable Change in Schools

Good Morning, TDaPE Massive.

This week on Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I sat down with Jon Cripwell to talk about developing teacher confidence and leading sustainable change in schools. It’s a powerful conversation with important reflections on professional growth.

There’s something special about teachers who once feared mathematics becoming passionate advocates for it and Jon captures that journey perfectly. We touch on everything from curriculum leadership to CPD culture and why empathy might be the most underrated quality in subject leadership.

Plenty below to enjoy while you listen, and I’ll be working on curating more themed episode playlists soon. Had a brilliant time recording this one. Hope you enjoy it just as much.

From Maths Anxiety to Maths Advocacy: Leading Sustainable Change in Schools by Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

In Episode 233 of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, Kieran Mackle is joined by Jon Cripwell, Primary Maths National Education Lead at Twinkl and long-time collaborator with the NCETM. Together they explore Jon’s unconventional path into teaching, how struggling with maths led him to become a passionate advocate for the subject, and the vital role of empathy in subject leadership.

creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/kieran-mackle/episodes/From-Maths-Anxiety-to-Maths-Advocacy-Leading-Sustainable-Change-in-Schools-e34gt6k

Visual Summary

A ‘six-minute’ summary video for use in briefings, meetings or when you’re in a rush.

Jon’s Blog - Jon Cripwell

The Primary Maths Podcast - Jon Cripwell and Becky Brown

The window for speaker proposals for TDaPE Cymru is still open. If you’re a teacher with something to share, then delivering a 40-minute workshop might be for you. The short proposal form can be found here. The window will remain open until the 25th of June - though we have very, very, very limited places left before we reach capacity.

If you’re keen to go but haven’t persuaded your Head Teacher/Business manager to get your ticket yet, now is the time. Click on the image above to visit the eventbrite page.

Huge thank you to everyone who shared the post last week. If you know someone who would enjoy reading this newsletter, please do share with them.

That’s all for this week. Let us know if you enjoyed any of the recommendations or have any questions via the comments section wherever you listen or by replying to this email.

Until next time, thanks for listening.