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

ASE Primary Committee welcome first-timers to Conference

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

Pope LT C15

The ASE Primary committee is delighted to meet and greet any new primary science educators to Annual Conference. Whether you are a lone delegate attending for the first time, or presenting for the first time, do come along and chat with members of the committee who will welcome you and advise you on the various ways you can enjoy your day, and gain some great professional learning amongst like-minded colleagues.

Speakers

Angharad Pass

Primary Science Specialist Education Consultant

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Pope LT C15

Primary

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

08:45 GMT

Technicians TechMeet & Welcome

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

Chemistry Building Foyer

All technicians are welcome to join the ASE Technicians Committee and other members, for a warm welcome to meet and greet each other, and chat about what their plans are to enjoy on the dedicated Techs day.

Speakers

Fiona Roberts RSciTech

Senior Science Technician / Chair of ASE Technicians Committee, Bolton School

I have been a school science technician for 14 years. Prior to this I was a Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology working for the NHS.I currently work across biology, chemistry & physics in KS3 & KS4.I'm a member of the ASE Technician's committee & collate the Prep Room pages for... Read More →

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

Technicians

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians
Twitter feed @theASE

09:45 GMT

100 years on from the Scopes Monkey Trial - evolution education then and now

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

Chemistry LT X2 (with sink)

In 1925, a high school teacher, John Scopes, was found guilty of violating the state of Tennessee’ Butler Act which made it illegal to teach human evolution in state-funded schools. We introduce interdisciplinary (science and RE) classroom resources which revisit the 1925 Trial through a role play and help students learn how our understanding of fossils and evolution have developed since.

Speakers

Marianne Cutler

Director, Policy and Curriculum Innovation, ASE

Marianne has overall responsibility for curriculum support and projects at the ASE. She works closely with ASE committees and manages professional development projects.

Michael J. Reiss

Professor of Science Education, UCL IOE

Denise Cush

Professor of Religious Education, Bath Spa University

David Francis

Big Ideas for Religious Education

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Chemistry LT X2 (with sink)

11-19

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14
Twitter feed @theASE

09:45 GMT

Professional registration - what it is and what's involved

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

Pope A1

An introduction to professional registration with the Science Council. This workshop will explain what's involved, how you can apply and how to write a cracking application. The workshop will cover all registers - Chartered Science Teacher, Registered Scientist and Registered Science Technician

Speakers

Rob Butler

Registrar - Association for Science Education, ASE

I'm a Chartered Science teacher, the registrar and Project Officer for the ASE (running the Keeping Science Practical project).I'm a senior professional development leader for the Science Learning Partnership network and I help the Science Council promote their professional registers... Read More →

Corinne Stevenson

Chair of Registration Board, ASE

I am a School Improvement adviser and work with schools in all phases, primary ,secondary and special-in all areas of science I also work with heads and governors on school improvement. I have supported many colleagues through the registration process in order that the achieve... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Pope A1

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, Technicians, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16
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?

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

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

Technicians: Osmosis and diffusion

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

Chemistry Lab C10 A

NOT…… Just those things with chips and air fresheners??

Refresh or learn other simple ways to show these dear old science topics.

Try out an Osmosis circus and Diffusion demos, particularly aimed at Technicians new to the role.

Speakers

Jenny Baker

Science Technician, The Corby Sixth Form College

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Chemistry Lab C10 A

Technicians

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians
Twitter feed @theASE

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

14:15 GMT

(Early Career) Teachers and Technicians - working together

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

ESLC B01

Join the past Chair of the ASE's National Technician Committee for insights into school science technicians and teachers working together - how they collaborate to optimise best working practices!

Speakers

Jane Oldham

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

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
ESLC B01

11-19

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ECTs, Trainees
Twitter feed @theASE

14:15 GMT

Primary swap shop pops up

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

Pope LT C15

Join in with Primary Swap Shop Pops Up, where primary teachers have an opportunity to pop their project, free resource or artefact onto a table top for discussion and networking/swapping ideas etc, with other primary educators.

If you have something that you would like to share with conference delegates, please contact Sheetal Kowalczyk by email at s.kowalczyk@bro.gdst.net . Spaces are limited!

Contributions should be no larger than 40cm x 80cm - and fit on a table top
Whatever you show, should take no longer than 5-10 minutes to arrange on the table
Contributions should be inspiring and thought provoking, something that teachers may not have seen before
Ideas should be tried and tested - so that teachers can feel assured that they can replicate your idea back at their school.

If you have had an article published about your idea in Primary Science Magazine or another journal, please have a copy of that on the table alongside our display, so that teachers can read more about it. If you are happy for teachers to contact you, please feel free to leave your card or material on your table for teachers to take away.
Everything shared in the Primary Swap Shop is free of charge and without agenda, that creates the special friendly atmosphere of the pop-up!

Speakers

Sheetal Kowalczyk

Primary Teacher, Bromley High Junior School

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

Primary

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

16:45 GMT

Meet and Greet the 11-19 Committee

Friday January 10, 2025 16:45 - 17:30 GMT

Pope A1

If you are a secondary teacher or science education consultant, come along to the "Meet the 11 to 19 Committee" session at the end of Friday 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 for one of the ASE journals?

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

Speakers

Wendy Pearmain

Chair of 11-19 Committee, ASE

Friday January 10, 2025 16:45 - 17:30 GMT
Pope A1

11-19

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @theASE

16:45 GMT

Meet and Greet the ASE Technicians Committee

Friday January 10, 2025 16:45 - 17:30 GMT

Chemistry Building Foyer

If you are a science technician, come along to the "Meet the Technicians Committee" session at the end of Friday 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 for one of the ASE journals?

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

Friday January 10, 2025 16:45 - 17:30 GMT
Chemistry Building Foyer

Technicians

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians
Twitter feed @theASE