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 for this year 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 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

Adapting science learning and scaffolding support for specific SEND needs

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

ESLC B05

The talk will consider the barriers impacting learners within science education and strategies to overcome them by exploring the Plymouth Science SEND Toolkit. Consideration has been given to supporting pupils with particular SEND needs and how to scaffold learning to support them effectively.

The session will focus on unlocking learning and removing barriers to ensure all children make progress. During the session the toolkit will be explored to consider removing barriers for those with visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical disability, neurodivergent pupils, dyslexic pupils etc. Examples from lessons will be discussed to exemplify good practice. Evidence-informed practice will be explored.

Speakers

Jodie Greaves

ITT Partnership Leader and Director of Plymouth Science, Plymouth Marjon University and Plymouth Science

Carla Bennett

School Improvement Officer and Director of Plymouth Science, First Federation MAT and Plymouth Science

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B05

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, ITEs, Trainees

11:15 GMT

Improving engagement and attainment in Science in Alternative Provision

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

Coates C22

Since moving from mainstream secondary education to work in Alternative Provision (AP*) in September 2022, Gemma has been tackling the question of what a meaningful, fit-for-purpose, and successful science curriculum, looks like in this setting. Very little is written about the curriculum in AP in general, and there is even less writing or data on Science in AP. Science provision in AP is patchy across the country, with some provisions unable to find a science teacher and dropping the subject from the curriculum. Many science teachers working in AP are the sole teacher, or work in a team of two people, and the vast majority work without a technician. Finding herself in a similar situation, Gemma reached out to others and formed the Science in AP network.

Many young people excluded from school, at risk of exclusion, or unable to access mainstream education due to SEMH needs, have poor prior experiences of science education. Reflecting the national trend, seen in research such as the Science Education Tracker, many of these young people have the least access to practical science work and enrichment opportunities - both when they have been in mainstream schools and during their time in AP.

In this session Gemma will talk about her journey so far in developing a science curriculum in AP. We will look at ways to adapt a curriculum to a setting where students come and go, and may join with many gaps in their education. We will also look at ways to enable students in AP to access practical science and science enrichment opportunities - even when budgets are tight!

The session will also discuss how the lessons from AP can be applied to mainstream secondary education - ensuring students at risk of exclusion are not excluded from the science classroom before they are even excluded from school.

Speakers

Gemma Short

Head of Science, Haringey Learning Partnership

Gemma has been Science Lead Teacher at Haringey Learning Partnership (AP) since September 2022. Previous to this she has 9 years experience working in mainstream school science departments in Sheffield, Rotherham and London as a classroom teacher, and Head of Chemistry, as well as... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, 11-14, 14-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @bolshybunsens

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

12:15 GMT

Diversifying the secondary science curriculum - a case study

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

Coates C22

This session looks at how a multi-academy trust developed a DEI vision and implemented that in the curriculum and resourcing of secondary science.

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 12:15 - 13:05 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, Post-16
Twitter feed @Johnston_Nat_; @emmaswift

13:15 GMT

Unlocking student success: The hidden power of teaching physics hinterland

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

Physics C29

What is the banana equivalent dose? How does a fire piston work? What is going on in clouds? How does UV nail polish work? How do turtles return to the same beach to lay their eggs? What physics is in your local area?
Who was Emily du Chatelet? Or Lise Meitner? Or Marguerite Perey? And why are these questions important?

During the lockdowns Kerry spent time developing a 'Physics of .... 'series of CPD sessions to engage more students and bring physics to life. She'll share ideas from Physics of the weather, Physics of animals, Physics of beauty and more. We'll look at practicals, starters, literacy activities using different contexts and how using these can help students be more confident in tackling application questions in exams.

Speakers

Henry Hammond

Stimulating Physics Network (SPN) Lead, Stimulating Physics Network (SPN)

Kerry Colyer

Stimulating Physics Network (SPN) lead, Stimulating Physics Network (SPN)

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
Physics C29

All

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16

13:15 GMT

Improving inclusion and diversity with 1001 Inventions

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

ESLC B07

How lighting up the ‘dark ages’ with '1001 Inventions from the East' can enrich the teaching of science in our ethnically diverse society. Award-winning educational producer and philanthropist Ahmed Salim shares how millions of educators use ‘1001 Inventions’ freely available materials to enrich the teaching of science, helping learners celebrate diversity, improve inclusion, and inspire further interest in science. These materials, produced by Ahmed Salim, explore the cultural roots of science with a focus on a period known as the ‘Golden Age of Arabic Science’. They include short films (featuring Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley, the legendary Omar Sharif, and scientist Professor Jim Al-Khalili), live science theatre shows, school science fairs, and extensive hands-on workshop guides, along with impact evaluation methods.

Speakers

Ahmed Salim

Founder and Director, 1001 Inventions

Ahmed Salim is the founder and director of ‘1001 Foundation’, whose educational programs have engaged more than 450 million people around the world, working through a network of institutions such as UNESCO, National Geographic, The Royal Society, Science Museum of London, The... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
ESLC B07

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 7 to 11

13:15 GMT

Inclusive approaches to practical primary science

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

ESLC C01

Come along and explore a range of inclusive approaches to practical primary science to support all learners to succeed within your curriculum and science enrichment programmes.

The session will include:

- My Science Club strategies to reduce cognitive load on learners and develop independence in their own learning.
- Scaffolding approaches to support all learners to record and analyse their findings.
- Appropriate use of explicit instruction to support all learners to take part in practical activities.

Speakers

Bryony Turford

Primary Science Professional Development Leader, My Science Club

Paul Tyler

Owner / Director, My Science Club

Primary school teacher and Science Coordinator in a large primary school just outside Glasgow. Interested in all things primary science, Science Capital transitions to secondary and anything to do with Topical Science and Citizen Science. I produce a monthly Topical Science Update... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
ESLC C01

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Global, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14
Twitter feed @my_scienceclub

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

15:45 GMT

Scientists can look like me: challenging stereotypes in primary science

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:00 GMT

ESLC C01

Terri and the Time Machine is a year-long primary science project, delivering the science curriculum through an interactive arts-based approach. Join some of our teachers who are delivering the project as they share their experiences of how it has challenged their children’s perceptions of science through creative exploration, story-telling and a whole lot of magic!

Arts- based techniques have shown to particularly support diverse learners and play a role in helping children in achieving aspirations, particularly those pupils experiencing systemic inequality and barriers to learning. Throughout the project, we wanted to challenge the children’s perceptions of ‘what’ and ‘who’ a scientist is, allowing them to begin to see themselves as scientists and see that science is and can be part of their worlds.

From geologists to sports nutritionists, at regular points during the project the children have the opportunity to hear from and speak to STEM ambassadors – through virtual Q&A sessions and recorded interviews – the children have chance to find out about ‘real life’ scientists and how the things they are learning in the classroom are applied in the outside world.

Speakers

Hannah Jeffares

Creative Schools Project Coordinator, Z-arts

Hi, I'm an experienced primary school teacher with experience teaching both in mainstream and alternative democratic settings. I am currently coordinating an innovative project - Terri and the Time Machine - delivering the primary science curriculum using an arts-based approach. The... Read More →

Sarah Punshon

Artistic Director, One Tenth Human

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:00 GMT
ESLC C01

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @z-arts_schools; @OneTenthHuman

15:45 GMT

Improving representation careers and STEM identity - OCR's free resources

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

Pope A34

The OCR Science team will outline recent progress we have made in helping teachers to improve representation in the science classroom. We'll look at how teachers can help their students to their develop STEM identity. We will highlight our resources to help teachers to meet the Gatsby Careers benchmarks.

Speakers

Andri Achilleos

Subject Advisor- Science, OCR

Andri Achilleos was a teacher for ten years before joining OCR in January 2019 as the subject advisor for A Level Biology. She studied Biology at University of Bristol and completed an MA in Science Education at University of York. She has taught in Birmingham as Teacher in charge... Read More →

Ally Davies

Subject Advisor for Science, OCR

After teaching physics and science - and leading departments - for over 20 years, I provided and managed professional support for teachers at Isaac Physics and for the Institute of Physics. I've been a Subject Advisor at OCR since November 2021. I'm committed to making science education... Read More →

Sponsors

OCR

We are a leading not-for-profit UK Exam Board. As part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge, we have access to unrivalled expertise and research capacity across assessment and examinations.We provide qualifications which engage people... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Pope A34

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16
Twitter feed @OCR_science

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

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