AfterMaths: When Children Decide They’re “Not a Maths Person”

Episode 60 of The Primary Maths Podcast is an Aftermaths episode where Jon Cripwell and Becky Brown reflect on mathematical thinking in the classroom, the hidden cost of passive maths, and why pupils’ mathematical identity matters as much as their test scores.The episode begins with a lighter moment as Jon points out that it is Friday the 13th again, one of three Friday the 13ths in 2026, the maximum possible in a single year. The conversation then moves to this week’s interview episode with secondary maths teacher Will McLoughlin, which explored direct instruction, conceptual understanding and mathematical thinking.Jon reflects on a moment from a recent school visit where a Year 5 pupil casually said, “I’m not really a maths person.” That comment becomes the starting point for the main discussion: what passive maths can cost learners over time. When pupils spend too much time watching maths rather than doing maths, they may complete work and pass tests, but gradually lose confidence, identity and a sense of belonging in mathematics. The challenge for teachers is that these losses are often invisible in data. Schools can measure answers on a page, but it is much harder to measure what pupils have quietly stopped believing about themselves as mathematicians.Jon and Becky discuss how lesson design and task choice can make a difference. Starting lessons with accessible entry points, encouraging pupils to explain their thinking, and creating collaborative mathematical environments can all help build confidence and participation. While accountability measures such as the KS2 SATs arithmetic paper or the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check prioritise speed and procedural accuracy, great maths teaching also develops curiosity, reasoning and identity as a mathematician.The episode also includes Becky’s History of Maths segment in honour of Pi Day on 14 March. Becky explains the origins of the number π, how ancient Babylonians and Egyptians approximated it thousands of years ago, and how Archimedes later developed more precise methods for calculating it. The Greek letter π was first used to represent the number by Welsh mathematician William Jones in the early eighteenth century. Becky also explores some fun facts about π, including the world record for memorising its digits.Jon highlights that even though π is not formally taught in the primary curriculum, sharing mathematical curiosities like this can help create a sense of wonder and show pupils that mathematics extends far beyond the classroom.Towards the end of the episode Jon announces that Twinkl’s PlanIt Maths scheme of work is being completely refreshed, with every lesson rewritten to reflect current research and pedagogy. The new scheme builds problem solving, scaffolding and greater depth thinking throughout lessons rather than adding them as optional extras. A free taster pack is now available for teachers who would like to explore the new materials.If you enjoy the podcast, remember to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Jon also invites listeners to continue the discussion on LinkedIn and through the podcast Substack.Links mentioned in this episodeListen to the previous interview episode with Will McLoughlin (Episode 59)https://primarymathspodcast.substack.com/Download the free PlanIt Maths taster packhttps://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/free-planit-maths-taster-pack-t-m-1691485779Follow Jon Cripwell on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joncripwellSubscribe to The Primary Maths Podcast Substackhttps://primarymathspodcast.substack.com/Contact the [email protected]