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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09:45 GMT

The joy of practical primary science - more ideas

Thursday January 9, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT

Coates C22

Using surprising science to aid discussion and experimentation supports scientific thinking. In this practical workshop participants carry out activities which seem surprising. We will discuss how they work and how to use them in the classroom. Most of the activities will use materials easy to source so they are straightforward to replicate in the classroom.

Speakers

Sarah Sisson

Workshop leader, Sphere Science

Practical activities to do in classrooms, at school events and with families.

Meg Post

Workshop leader, Sphere Science

I am interested in supporting the personal development of scientific thinking in people of all ages, especially through investigative science and practical demonstration. My background, originally in manuscript conservation, is in teaching at all levels, currently especially primary... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @SphereScience

11:15 GMT

Scientist's Story Time - Unlocking Rich Contexts in Children's Literature

Thursday January 9, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

Coates C22

Rich contexts, taken from children’s literature, can be used to give pupils a purpose for scientific learning. Stories promote emotive responses - leading to children being more invested in their learning. By using drama conventions, children become real scientists; help well-known characters and understand the breadth of STEM careers available. In a post-lockdown world, this re-builds resilience, problem-solving, collaboration and metacognition.

In Ted Hughes’ The Iron Man, local farmers are outraged by a giant metal man destroying their livelihoods and are desperate for help. As electrical engineers, can pupils learn the substantive and disciplinary knowledge required to stop him in his tracks?

Delegates will step in to fictional contexts and solve problems as working scientists. During the workshop, they will learn how to carefully select age-appropriate texts for purpose and build a progressive sequence of substantive and disciplinary knowledge for a range of topics across the primary science curriculum. There will also be opportunities to consider wider, meaningful curriculum links and outdoor learning opportunities.

Speakers

Rebecca Riley

PSTT Fellow, Assistant Headteacher, Curriculum Lead, Enhance Academy Trust

Joshua Hammond

Enhance Academy Trust, Class Teacher, Maths and computing lead, Enhance Academy Trust

Thursday January 9, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Industry, Teacher Developers, Global, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @MissJRiley; @JhammondTeaches

12:15 GMT

Using AI in the chemistry classroom - tips, tricks (and failures!)

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

Coates C22

Aimed at practicing secondary school chemistry teachers, this talk will highlight innovative AI tools and techniques that can save time in a busy teacher’s chemistry classroom. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights and strategies to integrate AI into their teaching practices, ultimately enabling them to spend more time on impactful teaching. This includes exploring lesson planning and the possibility of automating tasks such as marking. Real-life examples of AI applications that have successfully enhanced classroom management and student engagement will be shared, using examples for GCSE and A-level chemistry. Some examples of successes and failures will be shared so that practices can be used in their own classrooms immediately.

Speakers

Penny Robotham

Vice Principal and teacher of chemistry, The National Mathematics and Science College

A teacher - researcher and active member of the Teacher Action research group PALAVA, I lead on chemistry at the National Mathematics and Science College. I was a lead practictioner for the SSAT on the Practical in Science project and chair the RSC UK Chemistry Olympiad Working P... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @DrPRobotham

14:15 GMT

Like winning the lottery': CREST practical kit boxes - Maria Rossini

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

Coates C22

CREST Superstar activities have been well evaluated and respected for over 15 years, but time, resources and confidence are often barriers to teachers doing these impactful projects with their classes. Funded by the NCR foundation, the BSA sought to overcome these barriers by providing a holistic response through an 'everything' kit box.

This session will look at the activities, the kit provided and the feedback from teachers who have used the boxes so far. You'll have a chance to play, as well as find out how you might be able to get your hands on a (possibly free!) box for your school.

Speakers

Catherine Davies

Resources Manager, British Science Association

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11

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

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 →

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