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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08:45 GMT

Spaced Learning in Physics Education

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

Coates C27

Can the whole of the Atomic Structure GCSE unit be taught and learnt in one hour? This workshop will explore the impact of Spaced Learning within lessons in physics education. This statistically significant study shows how recent advances in our understanding of neuroscience can be applied to the classroom to maximise learning rates.

Delegates will explore evidence-based approaches to implement Spaced Learning in their teaching, as well as gaining insight in this exciting area of cognitive science. Although the research study and associated peer-reviewed article presented is focused on physics teaching and learning, the strategies discussed are highly transferrable to other areas of the curriculum.

Speakers

Rachel Hartley

Pedagogy and Professional Practice Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics

Alessio Bernadelli

Professional Support Coach, Institute of Physics

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Coates C27

All

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, ITEs, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants

09:45 GMT

IOP's Physics and Tea

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 11:15 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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 11:15 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

10:45 GMT

Tea Break and Exhibition

Friday January 10, 2025 10:45 - 11:15 GMT

All

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

11:15 GMT

Chair Chat

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 11:45 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

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 →

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 →

Alex Sinclair

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

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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 11:45 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

11:15 GMT

2024 Alexander Award Everyday Science at Sreepur Village Bangladesh

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

Physics B23

Sreepur Village in Bangladesh was established in 1989. It keeps mothers with their children. It received the 2024 Alexander Award from the ASE for their project Talking Science, a project set up in 2010 to enable the women recipients at Sreepur to find that they were carrying out science in many of their everyday activities and learning skills relevant to their lives when they return to their village . Information and skills such as how to put out fires, tell the time, filter water and grow vegetables in a sac gardens. A recent initiative is learning bicycle maintenance and repair. This presentation will illustrate some of the everyday activities that occur daily in this purpose-built village in Tengra area of Bangladesh.

Speakers

Dr Lady Sue Dale Tunnicliffe

Patron retired Reader in Science Eduction IOE, CASTME and UCL IOE

Dr Sue Dale Tunnicliffe was Reader in Science Education at UCL IOE, an experienced teacher of all ages, as well as at universities. Sue is a Former OFTSED inspector and Head of Education at the Zoological Society and has published both academic papers and 13 books . Sue is particularly... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Physics B23

All

Theme Other
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, Trainees

12:15 GMT

How can the science of early brain development strengthen outcomes for children?

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

ESLC B01

Could the inclusion of the science of early brain development in the national curriculum build the skills and knowledge we need to close the attainment gap and build the next generation of parents and citizens? This session will take the form of a panel discussion on the science of early child development and the long-term impact that early experiences can have on the life chances of every child.

It will talk about the changes we could make to society and education through teaching children about early child development and hear from teachers who have done this by teaching the SEEN Curriculum. Speakers will be key players in education, and science leads/teachers who have taught the Kindred² SEEN programme to KS2/KS3 students.

The session will end with a Q&A and discussion with delegates, and we will be keen to hear your thoughts and questions

Suitable for early years, primary, secondary or policy audience with an interest in curricula and new approaches to teaching.
The SEEN Programme was developed in collaboration with Oxford University and two Expert Advisory Groups.
Kindred² is a charitable foundation working collaboratively with partner organisations to improve early education and early child development.

Kindred² is proud to be sponsoring this session for the ASE at its' 2025 Annual Conference.

Speakers

Felicity Gillespie

CEO, Kindred Squared

Felicity Gillespie is the Chief Executive of Kindred2, a private foundation focused on improving the quality of early childhood development. She is currently a member of the independent expert panel advising Sir David Bell’s Review of Early Years, commissioned by the Labour Party.Felicity... Read More →

Liz Robinson

CEO, Bid Education

Liz is a school and system leader, passionate about asking bigger questions about what school can or should be about and working with others to make that a reality. Liz began her headship back in 2006, and leads from a clear vision of education which acknowledges the reality of children... Read More →

Molly Devlin

Headteacher, Arkstart

Molly is the Headteacher at Ark Start, a nursery group based in London as well as the Early Years Network Lead for Ark Schools, leading curriculum, teaching and learning and assessment across the Ark Primary schools in Birmingham, Portsmouth, Hastings and London. Prior to this, Molly... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
ESLC B01

All

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, FE/Skills, Industry, Technicians, Trainees

12:15 GMT

Frontier Science: What makes a spider fly? And other stories from the Open Air Laboratories project

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

Coates C27

How clean is the air that surrounds you where you live or that you breathe on your walk to school or work? Are there as many insects as there should there be in your garden or local park and does this number matter?
These kinds of starter questions have been used successfully to engage participants throughout the UK in a Citizen Science initiative called the ‘Open Air Laboratories Project’. Insights gained have helped shape the creation and implementation of scientific learning resources that can be adapted for use in diverse groups and settings, to improve understanding not only of our environment, but of more complex ideas such as ‘connectivity’ and ‘change’.

Speakers

Sara Goodacre

Professor, University of Nottingham (School of Life Sciences)

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C27

Frontier Science

Theme Frontier Science
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, FE/Skills, Technicians, Trainees

14:15 GMT

Is Neuorodivergence 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

14:15 GMT

Frontier Science: Under the microscope - bringing electron microscopy to life for all audiences

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

Coates C27

Electron Microscopy (EM) is a powerful tool that reveals structures at the micro and nanoscales, offering a unique window into the microscopic world. Despite its transformative capabilities, EM remains relatively unknown outside of academic circles, with minimal exposure in standard school curricula—briefly touched on at A-level biology. Yet, its potential to enhance learning goes far beyond the sciences. Imagine teaching cell biology by showing real EM images of different cell types, or bringing abstract concepts to life in subjects like history with stunning details of ancient glass.

Under the Microscope is a public engagement initiative designed around a simple yet exciting question: "What would you like to see imaged at the microscale?" This talk explores how EM can break down barriers and captivate diverse audiences. Since its inception in 2023, it has evolved from being purely online to being shown on TV, going international, and reaching local communities including children from SEND backgrounds.

Join Dr. Luke Norman as he demonstrates how a single concept can be adapted to reach different audiences through creative mediums. Like Ant-Man, get ready to shrink down and explore the fascinating world at the nanoscale, where every detail tells a story.

Speakers

Luke Norman

Knowledge Exchange Fellow, Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, University of Nottingham

Dr Luke NormanKnowledge Exchange FellowNanoscale and Microscale Research CentreE: Luke.norman2@nottingham.ac.uk W: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/chemistry/people/luke.norman2Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre (nmRC)W: www.nottingham.ac.uk/nmrcFollow uslinktr.ee/uonnmrc ... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Coates C27

Frontier Science

Theme Frontier Science
Key Stage / Audience Type 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ECTs, Advisors/Consultants, Industry, ITEs, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainees, FE/Skills

15:15 GMT

Tea Break and Exhibition

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

All

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

19:00 GMT

Friday's Social: Curry and Quiz night with PAYG Bar!

Friday January 10, 2025 19:00 - 22:00 GMT

The Great Hall, Trent Building

Come along to ASE's Friday Curry and quiz night Social from 19:00 (ticket entry only on Eventbrite) for a great evening of fun with good food and company. There will be a pay as you go bar too, with a lovely relaxed atmosphere for everyone to meet up with colleagues, talk about the day and plan for Saturday at Annual Conference 2025. Book early as numbers -are limited. The ASE Quizmasters, Chair of the ASE Jane Oldham RSciTech and outgoing Co-Chair Alex Sinclair, are sure to provide great entertainment for the evening!

If you are coming to the conference on your own, don't be put off! We have a friendly community ready to welcome you to the evening and ensure you're in great company. You'll be greeted at the door by one of our hosts, and if you're flying solo, we can introduce you to others and help you join a quiz team, so you can connect and enjoy the event together.

Speakers

All

Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Advisors/Consultants, ECTs, FE/Skills, ITEs, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainees

ASE 2025 Annual Conference

08:45 GMT

Rachel Hartley

Alessio Bernadelli

09:45 GMT

Ian Horsewell

Institute of Physics

10:45 GMT

11:15 GMT

Jane Oldham

David Allen

Alex Sinclair

Professor Leigh Hoath

11:15 GMT

Dr Lady Sue Dale Tunnicliffe

12:15 GMT

Felicity Gillespie

Liz Robinson

Molly Devlin

12:15 GMT

Sara Goodacre

14:15 GMT

Rachel Hartley

Carole Kenrick

14:15 GMT

Luke Norman

15:15 GMT

19:00 GMT

Jane Oldham

Alex Sinclair

David Allen

Professor Leigh Hoath

Chris Harrison

Lynn Ladbrook