Estyn Podcast - Sgwrs Sgwrs - Episode 6 - Thoughts on the teaching of Mathematics in Wales
Dec 10, 2025
In this discussion, Libby Chansa leads initial teacher education at Swansea University, while Sally Owen and Tyler Olds are math educators at a local school. They tackle pressing issues in math education in Wales, like enhancing pupil engagement through real-world applications and fostering deeper understanding over rote memorization. The trio shares innovative strategies, like using mini whiteboards for formative assessment and emphasizing structural understanding to combat misconceptions. Their insights promise to elevate teaching standards and make math more relatable.
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Rethink Pace And Challenge
- Pace and challenge mean developing conceptual understanding, not just faster or harder questions.
- Teachers should push pupils to connect mathematical structures and reason, not only practice procedures.
Use Research-Led CPD Schoolwide
- Run school-wide CPD that encourages research-informed trial and error and bring findings into department meetings.
- Discuss attempts openly and use results to adapt teaching practice collaboratively.
Raise The Bottom Third Intentionally
- Target the bottom third deliberately with strategies to raise their attainment.
- Design interventions that move students from lower grades up by focusing on small, achievable steps.