AfterMaths: Resolutions, Routines & Reality in the Classroom

In the first Aftermaths episode of 2026, Jon and Becky reflect on New Year resolutions, why so many of them fail, and what this means for teachers specifically. Drawing on national data, Teacher Tap insights, and lived classroom experience, they explore wellbeing, workload, work–life boundaries, and the gap between good intentions and sustainable habits.The episode also features a Maths of Life moment inspired by a freezing trip to Weston-super-Mare, leading into a fascinating discussion about tides, lunar days, and why the sea sometimes feels impossibly far away.Finally, Jon and Becky debrief this week’s interview with secondary maths teacher Emma Lockhart, unpacking ideas about maths identity, gender, confidence, and how early classroom experiences shape long-term attitudes to maths.Key themes coveredWhy Quitter’s Day exists – and what the data tells us about resolutionsHow teachers’ resolutions differ from national trendsHealth, wellbeing, and boundaries in a profession under pressureWork–life balance: emails, notifications, and protecting timeMaths of Life: tides, lunar days, and extreme tidal rangesMaths identity, confidence, and who feels “allowed” to be good at mathsWhy primary classrooms matter so much for long-term maths attitudesMaths of LifeA winter trip to the coast sparks a deep dive into:Tidal ranges and why Weston-super-Mare looks so different at low tideThe concept of a lunar day (24 hours 50 minutes)Why tides don’t follow our neat 24-hour clockAlso discussedReflections on the interview with Emma LockhartGender, confidence, and internalising mistakes in mathsHow classroom culture influences whether pupils persist with mathsGet involvedHave you ever kept (or spectacularly abandoned) a New Year resolution?We’d love to hear your stories.📧 Email: [email protected]👍 Subscribe, rate, and review to help us reach more teachers