October is here, and with it comes a shift in energy. The initial excitement of September, filled with fresh possibilities and renewed enthusiasm, often gives way to the realities of the school year. In this episode, Tom Manners, Steve Lomax, and Naomi Bartholomew-Millar explore this transition and offer insights on how to harness the momentum built in September to ensure a productive October for maths leaders

Through the three lenses that Tom, Steve and Liz will look at each month – judging standards, evaluating teaching and learning, and securing improvement – they make suggestions about what maths leaders may want to be focusing on during October, while building on what was established in September.

They explore ideas such as learning walks and why we should do them, assessment and the assessments we may be required to create in October, considering why we have to do them in the first place, and ensuring that the vision for maths is now completely established.

Questions and thoughts are always welcomed.

Visit our website: leadingsecondarymaths.co.uk

In this episode, three secondary maths leaders from different parts of the country share their insights on leading maths departments, focusing on setting vision, evaluating standards, and securing sustainable improvement. They discuss practical strategies for September planning and fostering team culture.

Key topics

• The importance of context in leadership
• Setting and sharing a clear vision for the department
• Using GCSE and Key Stage 2 results to inform teaching
• Focusing on deepening understanding rather than reteaching
• Creating a positive team culture and professional trust
• Strategic planning for September and beyond
• The role of professional development in sustained improvement
• Using data and student responses to guide teaching
• The significance of shared standards and expectations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the panel and their roles

00:29 The unique perspectives of each leader

01:04 Context is key in leadership

01:49 The importance of September planning

02:55 Leading through the year with a clear vision

04:17 Using GCSE results to judge standards

07:00 Sharing the department's vision effectively

09:40 Analyzing student responses and curriculum decisions

12:11 Embedding key concepts from Year 7 to Year 11

15:26 Focusing on a few high-impact priorities

18:18 Consistency in teaching strategies

21:30 Building a positive department culture

24:44 Transition from primary to secondary mathematics

28:54 Going deeper versus reteaching

33:00 Valuing prior knowledge and building confidence

37:29 Creating shared goals and team cohesion

41:24 The importance of department culture and expectations

43:12 Setting high expectations for all students

44:55 Reflecting on the episode and next steps

Naomi, Steve and Tom introduce the Leading Secondary Maths Podcast series, who they are, the thinking behind the podcast and the three core challenges of maths leadership: judging standards, evaluating teaching and learning, and securing improvement.

www.leadingsecondarymaths.co.uk

Key topics

• The importance of a month-by-month leadership approach
• Judging standards through data and pupil voice
• Evaluating teaching and learning effectively
• Securing continuous improvement in schools
• The significance of shared department culture and ethos
• Using visual models like mountains to navigate leadership challenges
• The role of professional development and coaching
• The importance of honest self-assessment and reflection

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and speakers

01:05 Backgrounds of Naomi and Steve in school leadership

03:47 Why a structured, monthly leadership journey matters

06:36 The landscape metaphor: mountains and the leadership road

09:09 Judging standards: data, pupil voice, and honesty

14:50 Evaluating teaching and learning: what, why, and how

18:43 Securing improvement: focus, professional development, and impact

23:35 Key takeaways: focus on the three strands and four mountains

24:31 Closing remarks and next steps

Resources referenced

NCETM Key stage 3 non-statutory guidance - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621629ac8fa8f5490d52ee78/KS3_NonStatutory_Guidance_Sept_2021_FINAL_NCETM.pdf