AfterMaths: Money, Maths and the Cost of Making Learning Passive

In this week’s Aftermaths episode of The Primary Maths Podcast, Jon and Becky cover a lot of ground — from coins and contactless payments to SATs survival tips, curriculum updates, and why talking about maths might matter more than writing it down.🎒 Money in the modern classroomJon and Becky take a light-hearted but thoughtful look at how money is taught in primary schools, and why it’s become trickier in recent years. With children encountering less physical cash in everyday life, money has become more abstract — even as it remains one of the richest areas of maths for problem solving.They explore:Why British coins form a non-linear systemHow money quietly introduces additive, multiplicative, decimal, and equivalence structuresWhy money lessons need to be hands-on, not worksheet-heavyHow school trips, chaos and all, create some of the most memorable maths learning momentsAlong the way, expect stories involving mint Matchmakers, ice lollies, and burning holes in pockets.💷 Money and financial educationThe conversation broadens into financial education, touching on fairness, budgeting, and decision-making — and why a secure understanding of money is foundational. Jon and Becky highlight the value of discussion-rich resources, including Twinkl’s work with Santander, that prioritise justification, talk, and real-world choices.📚 Curriculum drafters: what we know so farThe newly announced maths curriculum drafters are discussed, with reflections on:Familiar names from maths educationThe scale and complexity of the task aheadThe importance of consultation with the professionWhat teachers might hope to see as the process unfolds🧮 SATs tips from the classroomListeners share practical (and reassuring) SATs insights, including:Why children don’t have to answer arithmetic questions in orderHow reading questions aloud can boost confidence and outcomesWays schools reduce stress through flexible test arrangementsA tongue-in-cheek reflection on the “magic week” of teaching long division🔤 Etymathsology: words we use, meanings we forgetBecky dives into the origins of words like integer, digit, numeral, and figure, revealing how small language choices can cause big confusion — especially in tests — and why using precise vocabulary regularly really matters.🧠 Research in 60-ish secondsJon summarises new research exploring whether pupils learn more by speaking or writing learning journals. The headline finding?Spoken reflection may support deeper understanding and better retention — especially for learners who find writing a barrier.🔍 Big takeawayAcross money, language, SATs, and research, one message keeps resurfacing:Maths lessons are at their best when pupils are actively doing maths - thinking, talking, noticing, and exploring - rather than watching it happen.