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The NCETM Maths PodcastAuthor: NCETM
The NCETM Maths Podcast, from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, invites teachers, maths experts and anyone with a passion for teaching maths to talk about topics that shine a light on great maths teaching. With ideas for classroom activities, inspirational stories of careers in maths, and lively debates on contemporary topics, the NCETM podcast has something for everyone. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Language: en Genres: Education, Mathematics, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Episode 90 - Core Maths: Then, Now and Next
Episode 95
Monday, 13 July, 2026
In this episode of the NCETM Maths Podcast, Howard Astley-Jones talks with Professor Paul Glaister CBE about the origins, development and impact of Core Maths since its introduction in the mid-2010s. They discuss why the qualification was created to address the gap for students progressing beyond GCSE without taking A level Maths, and how it supports problem solving, quantitative reasoning, statistics and communication for higher education and employment. Paul reflects on policy drivers, including the Royal Society and other reports, and the importance of university support and universal provision. Howard shares recent entry trends and the role of the Core Maths Premium, and outlines AMSP and Maths Hubs professional development pathways and support for teachers. The episode also introduces AMiE and its mission for mathematics education. A transcript (PDF) of this episode is available to download. Show notes Taking part in the discussion: Professor Paul Glaister CBE, Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, University of Reading Howard Astley-Jones, Assistant Director for Secondary Mathematics and Level 3 Coordinator, NCETM. Episode chapters 00:00 Welcome and Overview 01:29 Meet Professor Paul Glaister CBE 02:33 Origins of Core Maths 06:58 Why Core Maths matters 09:07 Misconceptions and barriers 13:17 Growth and future ambitions 19:26 Supporters of Core Maths 22:12 What Core Maths involves 28:51 Teacher support and CPD 30:10 Final case for Core Maths 33:18 Introducing the Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE) 36:28 Closing and resources. Useful links Core Maths qualifications: technical guidance, DfE (2017) Core Maths professional development, NCETM Core Maths professional development, AMSP Report from the Expert Panel on Core Maths, Royal Society (2013) Post-16 Mathematics: A Strategy for Improving Provision and Participation, Royal Society (2012) Is the UK an Outlier? An international comparison of upper secondary mathematics education, Nuffield Foundation (2010) Mathematical Transitions: A Report on the Mathematical and Statistical Needs of Students Undertaking Undergraduate Studies, Higher Education Academy (2011) Report of Professor Sir Adrian Smith's Review of Post-16 Mathematics, Sir Adrian Smith for the DfE (2017) A new approach to mathematical and data education, Royal Society (2024) Association for Mathematics in Education (AMiE) Explore previous episodes of the NCETM podcast in our archive.
