ASE 2025 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

The ASE is delighted to be hosting its Annual Conference, generously sponsored by AQA, at the University of Nottingham from 9th to 11th January 2025. International sessions are incorporated throughout the event’s 3 days and we will have a great exhibition with lots of exclusive Conference offers. Post-16 focus-day and for those involved in leading and delivering professional development, the Teacher Developers’ Group programme is Thursday. Friday is the dedicated Technicians day, kindly sponsored by Philip Harris, and Early Career Teacher day. Sessions for both Primary and 11-19 are threaded throughout all 3 days with a focus on Research on Saturday.

Book your tickets now at https://ase2025AnnConf.eventbrite.co.uk - and remember, if you are an ASE member you will benefit from hugely discounted prices! Check out our membership here - it’s free for Early Career Teachers and only £25 for Technicians!

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12:15 GMT

Developing leadership skills in secondary science

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Pope A1

Many secondary science leaders have progressed quickly into middle leadership, or into other roles of responsibility within science. This role brings many challenges not encountered as an effective classroom practitioner but this transition often happens with little or no support on leading teams and managing change specifically in science.

This session is designed to support new and aspiring secondary science leaders in developing a range of skills needed to be an effective science leader. Strategies and tips will be shared to help to build teams and to lead change effectively, including both quick tips and longer-term strategies to embed.

This session will also consider how science leaders can evaluate their leadership quickly and effectively to support prioritising and action planning. The final part of the session will focus specifically on managing workload, with the opportunity to ask questions and share good practice.

Intended outcomes:

•consider the various aspects of science leadership and self-evaluate in key areas
•plan strategies to lead teams and bring about successful change using key research principles
•Identify ways to reduce and manage workload, sharing practice with peers

Speakers

Tracey Baxter

Educational Consultant, Tracey Baxter Consultancy Services

Tracey is an Independent Science Consultant with extensive experience in supporting secondary schools, with a focus on leadership, teaching and learning, curriculum development and assessment in science.She is an accredited Senior Professional Development Leader with STEM Learning... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Pope A1

11-19

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 14-16, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14
Twitter feed @TraceyBConsult

12:15 GMT

Honorary and Professional Members lunch

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Chemistry Building Foyer

This lunch (by invitation only) is for those Honorary ASE members and science teachers and technicians who have gained professional registration or Chartership: CSciTeach, RSci or RSciTech, all of whom are invited to join Lynn Ladbrook, the ASE's CEO.

Speakers

Lynn Ladbrook

Chief Executive, Association for Science Education

Jane Oldham

Lead Science Technician and Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Currently Chair of the ASE and the Lead Science Technician at the de Ferrers Academy, a large multi-site academy in the Midlands. Jane has been a Science Technician for 18 years, currently leading a team of 6 technicians, where she specialises in supporting KS4 and KS5 chemistry... Read More →

Chris Harrison

Professor of Science Education, King’s College London

Researcher keen to work at classroom level. Teacher educator. Research interest: Assessment and especially Assessment for Learning. Inquiry in science/experimental science. Professional Learning and practice-based evidence. Big, big ASE enthusiast!!

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Chemistry Building Foyer

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Technicians
Twitter feed @theASE

12:15 GMT

Panel: How does research influence initial teacher education?

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Pope LT C15

In England, the government framework for teacher education is based on educational research from around the world. In this session we will explore:

how the research identified in the framework influences teacher education
what other research influences teacher education, positively and negatively
what research we would like to see carried out about teacher education

ASE Teacher Developers Committee and Research Committee will jointly curate and host this lunchtime discussion session.
Feel free to bring your sandwiches and join the conversation.

Speakers

Emily Perry

Professor of Education, Sheffield Hallam University

Claire Seeley MA CSciTeach

Primary Science Education Consultant

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Pope LT C15

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @theASE

13:15 GMT

Science outside the primary classroom

Thursday January 9, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT

Pope A17

Science outside the primary classroom: Supporting teacher trainees' skills in effective outdoor teaching and learning.

This project aimed to enhance the confidence, learning and teaching of students in ITT by understanding the benefits that outside learning opportunities provide schools and children. The research team analysed the responses of a confidence audit before/after a training intervention took place.

Working alongside Teach Outdoors Ltd, which aims to encourage educators to utilise their outside spaces and natural areas sustainably and effectively to teach the curriculum, we designed and piloted a blended training course for students working with school age children as part of their degree.

This gave students at Northampton University an opportunity to explore how an outdoor environment can be utilised to support child development and used as an active learning tool.

This session will allow delegates to explore the resources used and reflect on their own practice in teaching science outside the classroom.

Speakers

Helen Tiplady

Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Northampton

Helen is a Senior Lecturer in the Initial Teacher Training team in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society and is currently the Module Leader for the science modules, lectures on the Research Practitioner module and has been the Module Leader in designing and delivering a brand... Read More →

Emma Whewell

Associate Professor of Learning and Teaching, University of Northampton

Emma is the Deputy Head of Subject for Sport and Exercise at the University of Northampton. There are seven undergraduate degrees on offer (Physical Education and Sport, Sports Coaching, Sport and Exercise Science, Sports Management and Leadership, Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
Pope A17

Primary

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 5 to 7, 7 to 11, ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers
Twitter feed @UONPEemma; @helen_tiplady

14:15 GMT

Job satisfaction and attrition for physics teachers in the first five years

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

Pope A1

Summary and discussion of recent research into factors affecting the job satisfaction and career intentions of physics teachers in their first five years of teaching. This study was conducted by Dr Mark Whalley of the University of Chester and Ian Horsewell of the Institute of Physics and explores the reasons for the high rate of attrition of early career physics teachers, and how they differ from the teacher population as a whole. Strategies that may address this at a school and MAT level will be discussed as well as broader policy implications.

Speakers

Mark Whalley

Senior Lecturer (Educational Leadership), University of Chester

I'm a senior lecturer in Educational Leadership at the University of Chester. My main teaching covers Professional Learning and Change Leadership but I also tutor across the MA Educational Leadership programme. My principal research interest is in teacher retention and by focusing... Read More →

Ian Horsewell

Professional Community and Retention Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Pope A1

11-19

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants

15:15 GMT

Chair Chat

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:15 - 15:45 GMT

Engineering & Science Learning Soft Chair area adjacent to ground floor atrium

Our dedicated Chair Trio invite you to drop-in to the “Chair-Chat” sessions on one of the days of Annual Conference 2025.

Got a question? Ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes? Ever thought about getting involved in Committee activities? Are you wanting to know more about Professional Registration or writing an article in one of the ASE journals? First time attending our flagship Conference?

If this is your first ASE Conference, then please come along and say Hello.

We look forward to hearing your questions and will endeavour to answer them or point you in a selection of possible right directions!

Speakers

David Allen

Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Chair Elect for the ASE 24-25, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy

I worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a classteacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher. I taught across Key stages 1, 2 and 3 in UK and in Spain. During this time I developed a passion for science, art and design, improvised drama, assessment for learning, creativity... Read More →

Professor Leigh Hoath

ITE Lecturer and ASE Co Chair, Leeds Trinity University, United Kingdom

Professor Leigh Hoath leads science education at Leeds Trinity University in the UK as Deputy Dean of Faculty, and is the co-founder of an organisation leading curriculum development concerning climate change education (Climate Adapted Pathways for Education - CAPE). She is the outgoing... Read More →

Jane Oldham

Lead Science Technician and Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education

Alex Sinclair

Senior Lecturer / Outgoing Co-Chair of ASE 23-24, St Mary's University and Association for Science Education

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:15 - 15:45 GMT
Engineering & Science Learning Soft Chair area adjacent to ground floor atrium

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Advisors/Consultants, ECTs, FE/Skills, Global, Industry, ITEs, Technicians, Trainees
Twitter feed @theASE

15:15 GMT

IOP's Physics and Tea

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:15 - 16:35 GMT

Physics Building foyer

The IOP is delighted to be hosting these informal tea and cake sessions for anyone interested in delivering physics education! Pop along, eat, drink and chat - we look forward to welcoming you.

Speakers

Ian Horsewell

Professional Community and Retention Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics

Sponsors

Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, with an active role in promoting co-operation in physics around the world. We strive to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds. Come along and visit an... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:15 - 16:35 GMT
Physics Building foyer

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, ECTs, FE/Skills, Advisors/Consultants, Technicians, Trainees

15:45 GMT

ASE Policy Group: what does ASE do for members and what should we do next?

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT

Chemistry LT X2 (with sink)

The ASE Policy Group was established in April 24 and is made up of members with expertise from across the science education sector. It has a remit to provide Position Statements on Policy which represent the membership's view on topical and relevant policy issues and enable ASE to fulfil its role as an advocate for members at a national level, as well as providing guidance for members to use in their own settings.
Come along to this session to find out more about ASE's advocacy role and the influence it has, the work of the Policy Group and to have your say in its future activity. What do you want your ASE to for you?

Speakers

Jane Turner CSciTeach

Associate Professor for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, University of Hertfordshire

Associate Professor Jane Turner BA (Hons), PGCE, MEd, CsciTeachJane taught in primary schools in Hertfordshire and London. She is co- founder of the Primary Science Quality Mark, based at the University of Hertfordshire where she is now an Expert Advisor for Primary Science. Jane... Read More →

Caroline Smith

Helen Darlington CSciTeach

Faculty Progress Leader: Science

Dr Helen Darlington, CSciTeach, is currently Faculty Progress Leader for Science at South Wirral High School. She is an innovative and experienced teacher of science, biology and psychology with over 20 years of classroom experience. In addition to classroom teaching she has had a... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Chemistry LT X2 (with sink)

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, FE/Skills, ECTs, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @theASE

15:45 GMT

Improving the Quality of Primary Science in the East Midlands.

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT

Coates C22

Primary Science Quality Mark hub leaders from the East Midlands will share examples from schools across the region of the impact of the year-long, PSQM professional development and wider school improvement programme on science subject leadership, teaching and learning and curriculum design. The PSQM programme provides expert support to science subject leads to equip them to to identify development priorities and professional learning needs leading to a transformation of the quality and profile of science education in their schools. This session will showcase the impact of science subject leadership development in PSQM schools. Examples will include outcomes in areas such as using assessment to support learning, promoting inclusion and equity, connecting contexts and skills with other curriculum areas and real-world contexts, developing pupils’ scientific vocabulary, teaching the knowledge and skills required to work scientifically and ensuring the science curriculum engages, inspires and challenges all pupils through planned progression in content and procedural knowledge.

Speakers

Alex Farrer

PSQM Regional Lead (East Midlands), Primary Science Quality Mark

Science Lead at Wimbledon High Junior School/GDST. PSQM Regional Lead in the East Midlands and PSQM hub leader in SW London. Accredited trainer of the Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach. PSTT Fellow and co-author of the PSTT resources "See Through Science". and "Sketchbook... Read More →

Sarah Eames CSciTeach

Primary Teacher and PSTT Mentor, Sandfield Close Primary School

Primary Teacher - I love teaching; I also love being a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust and working for them 1 day a week. Yes, the best of both worlds! Proud to be on the ASE Primary Committee.Padlet link for 2024ASE Primary Teachmeet 2024 (padlet.com)... Read More →

Tracy Tyrrell

Primary Science Consultant

Tracy began teaching in 2001 and, because of her background in research science, became the science lead at her school soon after. As a highly regarded new resource, the original AKSIS Project book featured heavily in the local authority training for science leads and the clever exercises... Read More →

Emma Twomey

Primary Teacher

Helen Tiplady

Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Northampton

Jane Winter

Professional Development Leader, University of York Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC)

I love everything to do with primary science, especially the Early Years Foundation Stage. My role at CIEC involves working with teachers to make science enjoyable and worthwhile for both them and their class. I run science and maths courses for Early Years teachers and science courses... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group
Twitter feed @Psqm_HQ

16:50 GMT

Meet and Greet the ASE Teacher Developers' Committee

Thursday January 9, 2025 16:50 - 17:30 GMT

Pope A1

ASE Teacher Developers' supports those whose roles include:

The design, coordination and facilitation of professional development , mentoring and coaching, whether in school, schools groups or external
Subject and departmental leadership

If this is you, come along to the "Meet the ASE Futures Committee" session at the end of Thursday of Annual Conference 2025. We'll share upcoming activities led by the committee and talk about the ways you can get involved. We are keen to hear your views about how the ASE Futures Group can support you and your colleagues.

We look forward to listening to your questions and will endeavour to answer them!

Speakers

Emily Perry

Professor of Education, Sheffield Hallam University

Claire Seeley MA CSciTeach

Primary Science Education Consultant

Thursday January 9, 2025 16:50 - 17:30 GMT
Pope A1

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Teacher Developers, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills
Twitter feed @theASE