In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Julia Thomson from the NCETM’s Communications Team discusses the STEM Ambassador programme with guests Michael Anderson, a secondary maths teacher and former education lead for mathematics at STEM Learning, and Garry Packer, a retired electronic engineer and STEM Ambassador. They explore how the programme supports maths education in primary and secondary settings, the roles and experiences of STEM Ambassadors, and practical advice for teachers on how to integrate STEM careers into their curriculum. The conversation highlights the impact of real-world connections on students’ mathematical understanding and career aspirations, providing insights for both educators and potential STEM Ambassadors.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

• Michael Anderson, teacher of maths and MEI Local Lead
• Garry Packer, retired electronic engineer and current STEM Ambassador
• Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

• 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
• 01:10 Meet the guests: Garry Packer and Michael Anderson
• 02:00 Understanding the STEM Ambassador programme
• 03:11 Garry's journey as a STEM Ambassador
• 04:12 Engaging maths workshops for schools
• 07:08 How to get a STEM Ambassador for your school
• 09:55 Maximising the impact of STEM Ambassador visits
• 11:37 The broader impact of STEM Ambassadors
• 13:01 Volunteering as a STEM Ambassador
• 14:24 Hidden careers in STEM
• 17:08 Becoming a STEM governor
• 19:11 Conclusion and final thoughts.

• STEM Ambassador programme
• The Operational Research Society
• Register with STEM Learning
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, the NCETM’s Gaynor Bahan talks with Professor Dame Allison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching, about the importance of teacher collaboration, professional learning, and the current state and future vision of teaching as a respected profession. They discuss the Chartered College's recent report on revisiting teacher professionalism and how initiatives like the Maths Hubs Programme contribute to building a culture of trust, ethics and knowledge sharing among teachers.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

• Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive, Chartered College of Teaching
• Gaynor Bahan, Assistant Director for System Leadership, NCETM
• Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

• 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
• 00:59 Exploring teacher professionalism
• 02:15 The Chartered College of Teaching
• 03:27 Domains of teacher professionalism
• 12:19 Challenges and opportunities in teacher professionalism
• 16:25 The role of collaboration in professional development
• 23:26 Empowering teachers through leadership roles
• 29:14 The importance of professional learning and recognition
• 40:00 Final reflections on teacher professionalism.

• Chartered College of Teaching Report – Revisiting the Notion of Teacher Professionalism (Müller & Cook, May 2024)
• The Chartered College of Teaching
• Beyond the maths classroom: how trusts can support teacher professionalism (NCETM, October 2024)
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.

In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Jane Hawkins, the NCETM’s Assistant Director for Secondary, speaks to Geoff Barton, chair of the Oracy Education Commission. The conversation dives into the importance of oracy in the classroom, especially in mathematics, exploring how it can transform learning and teaching. They discuss the current state of oracy education, its potential to close the disadvantage attainment gap, and specific recommendations for embedding oracy into professional development for teachers. Geoff references valuable insights and case studies, including contributions from experts such as Tim Oates and David Thomas, as well as practical examples from schools successfully implementing oracy strategies.

A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download.

audio file here

• Geoff Barton, Chair of the Oracy Education Commission
• Jane Hawkins, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics, NCETM
• Julia Thomson, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, NCETM.

• 00:00 Introduction to the NCETM Maths Podcast
• 01:22 Meet Jane Hawkins and Geoff Barton
• 01:50 The importance of oracy in education
• 03:19 Disciplinary oracy in mathematics
• 04:17 Revelations about oracy from maths
• 06:49 Challenges and solutions in teaching maths
• 12:13 The role of teachers in oracy-rich classrooms
• 15:04 The impact of oracy on student behaviour and engagement
• 19:53 Assessment and the future of oracy
• 27:48 Oracy and disadvantaged pupils
• 36:46 Teacher professional development in oracy
• 49:46 Conclusion and further resources.

• Oracy Education Commission report – We need to talk (October 2024)
• The Commission Conversations – Tim Oates
• The Commission Conversations – David Thomas
• Discover more from the Commission Conversations podcast archive
• NCETM feature: We need to talk (about maths) (February 2025)
• Maths Hubs Research and Innovation Work Groups
• Bullock Report: A Language for Life (HMSO, 1975)
• EEF Secondary Maths Practice Review (June 2024)
• The NCETM Maths Podcast – Oracy in the maths classroom
• NCETM: The role of oracy in the context of teaching for mastery
• All-Party Parliamentary Group Report, Speak for Change
• Voice 21 Oracy Framework
• TES article: Neil Mercer: Oracy is still not properly understood (May 2025)
• Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.