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

ASE’s commitment to improving access to STEM for under-represented groups

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Physics C30

Since 2021, ASE have been working with schools across England to improve their inclusive practice. Our programme ‘Inclusion in Schools’ took a whole school approach to creating a welcoming, safe environment for all children to engage in learning. An ASE consultant worked 1:1 with senior leaders to support them in delivering their vision for inclusion by developing an action plan where focus points were decided through data collection and analysis, consideration of whole school priorities and policies, school demographic and resources. Schools were then provided with timetabled CPD, regular networking opportunities, ongoing evaluation meetings with their consultant, and relevant resource to help them meet their goals. 93% of senior leaders on the programme agreed being part of Inclusion in Schools increased the inclusive culture across the school.

ASE’s Inclusion in Science was an online CPD programme focused on using inclusive techniques to engage students, specifically in science. Over 6 modules, participants learnt how adjusting their language, pedagogy and curriculum can help every student feel that science is for them. The course has been praised for being engaging, informative, thought-provoking, and evidence-based, with an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for sharing ideas. Participants have called it ‘transformative’ and:
‘An absolutely brilliant course that allows you to think deeply about your pedogeological practice’
All of ASE’s work aims to create an environment where students who are underrepresented in STEM are better engaged and inspired in their education and broaden their aspirations.

This session will:
1.Introduce why inclusion work is important to increase diversity in STEM.
2.Reflect on the key take aways from Inclusion in Schools and Inclusion in Science.
3.Showcase ASE’s current offers which now include primary and international secondary schools.

Speakers

Rebecca Peacock

Director of CPD, Association for Science Education

Rebecca's primary purpose is to lead on the development and delivery of a comprehensive and impactful learning and continuing professional development (CPD) programme for ASE members and the wider science education community.

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Physics C30

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Industry, Global, 11-14
Twitter feed @theASE
ECTs Themed sessions ECTs Inclusion

13:15 GMT

Presidential Address: Mind the gap! Challenging inequalities in school science engagement and participation

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT

Pope LT C15

School science continues to face intense challenges – from declining student interest, aspirations and confidence in science to longstanding inequalities in participation, underpinned by chronic underfunding, understaffing and overburdening of teachers. These issues negatively impact all schools but are particularly amplified by social inequalities. So how can we best address the ASE pledge to support equity and inclusion in science?

This presentation shares insights from large scale longitudinal research conducted with over 47,000 children and young people in England that identified the key factors shaping students’ trajectories into/away from science from age 10-22. It also draws on collaborative research and development work conducted over 8 years by primary and secondary teachers and researchers, to develop practical, easy-to-implement ways forward, resulting in happier teachers, more engaged students and more equitable participation in science.

Speakers

Professor Louise Archer

ASE President / Karl Mannheim Chair of Sociology of Education, UCL Institute of Education

I am currently the Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at UCL IOE (2017-) and co-chair of the Sociology Activity Group (with Jessica Ringrose). Previously I was Professor of Sociology of Education at King's College London, where I was also the Director of the Centre... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
Pope LT C15

All

Twitter feed @theASE
ECTs Themed sessions ECTs Inclusion

14:15 GMT

Is Neurodivergence a science superpower? Supporting neurodiverse teachers and students

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

ESLC C01

In the evolving landscape of education, embracing neurodiversity is essential as more adolescents and adults become aware of their neurodiverse traits and the impact on their daily lives. There is greater acceptance in the science community that a neurodiverse team brings many benefits, but how can we adapt our learning environments to allow everyone to flourish? This session explores the hidden strengths and the needs of neurodivergent teachers and students. We will be exploring strategies to create supportive, inclusive science classrooms, and what needs to be addressed at the institution level.

The New ‘Normal’ and Neurodiversity
We will challenge traditional notions of normality, highlighting the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to science, such as hyperfocus and creativity. Real-life examples will illustrate their significant contributions.

Supporting Neurodivergent Students and Teachers
Discover techniques to adapt activities and manage executive function challenges that are science specific. Share strategies to reduce the administrative burden on teachers. Participants will engage in designing inclusive science activities, promoting collaboration.

Creating a Supportive Environment
Latest research and case studies will showcase best practices for fostering an inclusive classroom. We will discuss recognising hidden struggles and promoting well-being for both students and teachers.

Interactive and Sensory-Friendly
We are requesting dimmed lighting and flexible seating, so that this session ensures comfort for all attendees. Open discussions will allow sharing of experiences and solutions.

Join us to unlock the potential of neurodivergent learners and educators, making science education inclusive for all.

Speakers

Rachel Hartley

Pedagogy and Professional Practice Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics

Carole Kenrick

School-based teacher educator and CPD provider (Professional Support Coach at the Institute of Physics), Institute of Physics

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
ESLC C01

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, ITEs, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @rachelphysics
ECTs Themed sessions ECTs Inclusion

15:45 GMT

Science curriculum design and implementation for inclusion

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT

Coates C22

This session looks at how thoughtful curriculum planning and development using cognitive science can ensure accessibility and attainment for all learners.

Speakers

Natalie Johnston

Trust Wide Subject Lead (Science), David Ross Education Trust

Natalie is a Trust Wide lead for Science for a MAT. She holds a BSc Hons in Human Genetics from Newcastle University, QTS from Bishop Grosseteste College Lincoln, MEd Educational Leadership from University of Buckingham and has just been offered a place to study MSc in Teacher Education... Read More →

Emma Swift

Deputy Headteacher, Alvaston Moor Academy

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16
Twitter feed @Johnston_Nat_; @emmaswift
ECTs Themed sessions ECTs Inclusion