How Big Is a Billion? And Can You Plan Around a Scheme Without Losing Yourself?

Summer Special #2: Mastery Schemes vs Teacher Subject Knowledge – and the Maths of Big Numbers

This week, Sally Cole joins Jon as guest co-host while Becky continues her well-earned beach break. Sally is an Education Content Lead at Twinkl, working on digital maths resources including the Twinkl Maths app.

In this second summer special, Jon and Sally explore two big ideas:

The Maths of Life

How big is a billion? Inspired by a question from Jon’s daughter, we unpack the history, scale and meaning of this often misunderstood number. From how long it takes to count to a billion, to what it would look like built out of base ten cubes, this is a place value conversation that starts with curiosity and ends with a cube the size of a school building.

Main Discussion

Can teachers follow a scheme and still teach responsively?

We explore the benefits and challenges of using teaching for mastery schemes in schools, and ask:

• What do maths schemes of work do well?
• When might they restrict professional judgement or pedagogical flexibility?
• How can we make sure that teachers remain confident, responsive and well-supported?

If you're planning for September, reflecting on your maths curriculum, or thinking about teacher subject knowledge, this is an episode for you.

Get in touch: primarymathspodcast@twinkl.co.uk

Follow Jon on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joncripwell/

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The Primary Maths Podcast is designed for teachers, maths leads and school leaders working in UK primary schools. Each episode explores research-informed approaches to maths teaching, subject leadership, curriculum planning and classroom practice. Hosted by Jon Cripwell, with regular guests and special segments including the Maths of Life. Ideal for CPD on the go.