How does curriculum become classroom practice?
Good morning,
For the final episode in the series, we move from curriculum design and school-level decision making to what all of this actually looks like in classrooms.
I’m joined by Ester Truter, Flora Walters and Rob Kron to talk about the practical realities of working with a curriculum day to day. What do teachers need from it? Where do the difficulties emerge? And what happens when the plans on paper meet the complexity of real teaching?
It feels like a fitting way to finish the series, bringing the conversation back to the people who ultimately have to make curriculum work.
Hope you enjoy!
A link to wherever you get your podcasts…
YouTube Audio
Rob, Ester and Flora’s recommendations
WLFS Primary Colours on Instagram
Mathematics in the UK and Ireland 2026/27
This autumn, we’re taking our mathematics professional development programme on the road, with a four-session programme for primary and secondary teachers in Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow.
When pupils begin to struggle with mathematics, it can be tempting to make the mathematics easier, slow everything down or give them something different. That may help in the moment, but over time it can leave pupils with fewer opportunities to develop the understanding they need to catch up.
We think there is a better way.
Across four sessions, we’ll explore how stronger subject and pedagogical content knowledge can help teachers make better instructional decisions within everyday classroom teaching. The aim is simple: to help more pupils develop genuine mathematical understanding without lowering ambition.
The first programmes begin in November, with dates in Dublin, Belfast, Cardiff and Glasgow over the coming months.
You can find all the dates, venues, prices and booking information here:
We’d love to see you there.
Season 7…
It’s been nearly three whole years since Season 6 but, next week, TDaPE goes back to basics…
“My first question is years as a teacher...”
TDaPE Edinburgh
Thinking Deeply about Primary Education is coming to Edinburgh.
Join us for a day of thoughtful, practical professional learning, bringing together teachers, leaders and some brilliant voices from across education to explore the ideas that matter most in classrooms and schools.
If you enjoy the podcast, this is the chance to be part of those conversations in person.
Tickets are available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/thinking-deeply-about-primary-education-conference-edinburgh-tickets-1994538692922
A huge thank you to everyone who shared last week’s episode. TDaPE continues to grow through those small recommendations from one teacher or leader to another, and every share helps these conversations reach people who might otherwise never come across them. If this week’s episode makes you think of someone, I’d be very grateful if you passed it on.
That’s all from me for now. As always, I’d love to know what you made of the conversation, so feel free to leave a comment wherever you listen or simply reply to this email.
Until next time, thanks for listening.
