AfterMaths: Curriculum, Crossovers and Colin Firth

In this week’s Aftermaths episode, Jon and Becky dive into a listener question from Amy in Nottinghamshire: What would you change about the maths curriculum?

The discussion ranges from curriculum overload to the role of problem solving, exploring whether maths could ever follow pupils’ interests in the same way as history or science. Jon argues that the current focus on calculating with fractions in Key Stage 2 comes too soon, while Becky calls for a rethink on topics like Roman numerals and imperial units. Both agree that depth of understanding and real-world application should take priority over coverage.

From there, they touch on geometry, progression, and the importance of not narrowing the curriculum just because some concepts feel difficult or less “useful.” As Jon puts it, schools should expose children to a broad and inspiring range of mathematical ideas — even those that may not have an obvious everyday purpose.

The Maths of Life segment takes a theatrical turn as Becky explores the Erdos–Bacon number — a surprisingly mathematical connection between film stars, mathematicians, and networks of collaboration. Jon discovers his own surprisingly low Bacon number and issues a challenge to listeners to beat it.

Finally, they revisit Jon’s interview with Leonie Briggs, unpacking the links between maths and science, the importance of cross-curricular learning, and how practical, hands-on experiences can make abstract ideas come alive. Becky highlights Leonie’s passion for showing pupils the real-world value of maths — from veterinary science to construction — while Jon reminds us that sometimes it’s okay to learn simply for the joy of knowing something new.

Highlights include:

• Should the maths curriculum focus more on skills than content?
• Why we rush fractions — and what we could teach instead
• Is it time to retire Roman numerals and inches?
• The joy (and challenge) of geometry
• How the Erdos–Bacon number connects maths and movies
• Why integrating maths and science matters more than ever

Get involved:

Email your thoughts to primarymathspodcast@twinkl.co.uk, leave a YouTube comment, or message Jon and Becky on social media.