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

Technicians: Prep room management with waste management

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

Chemistry lab B5

This workshop would suit senior/lead techs or lone techs. We will cover some basics of prep room management but with a specific focus on waste management within all sciences. We will look at how we can reduce, reuse, recycle within science and the issues we all face around waste and its safe disposal.

Speakers

Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield RSciTech

Lead Science Technician, The School of Science and Technology (prep room)

I am a Lead technician, with about 17 years experience, currently at a growing comprehensive school in Kent. I started my tech life as a biology technician and althoug I now cover all subjects, biology remains my first love. I am passionate about passing on skills to the next... Read More →

Sponsors

Philip Harris UK Ltd (Part of the Findel Education Family)

We are Philip Harris. Explorers of science since 1817.For generations we’ve helped to make sure science is one of the undisputed essentials of a great education.We’ve helped to take it off the blackboard and into the lab, creating a rich, hands-on world of test tubes, circuits... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Chemistry lab B5

Technicians

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type Technicians

11:15 GMT

Using microscale to develop experiments with purpose

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

Chemistry lab B5

Despite recent efforts from Ofqual to raise the profile of experiments in terminal GCSE assessments, recent research reviews from Ofsted suggest that teachers frequently focus on substantive knowledge at the expense of detailed understanding of the experimental skills (the working scientifically skills) required to undertake scientific enquiry. Consequently, research nationally and internationally suggests that teachers adopt recipe-style experiments restricting students' curiosity and scientific understanding.

Microscale experiments offer an affordable and safe pedagogic strategy to support teachers move beyond a recipe-based approach to experimentation and support teachers diagnose and challenge the misconceptions held by students. Moreover, our recent research has shown that offering early career teachers professional development, including microscale experiments within their teaching practice, can be revolutionary. However, teachers are yet to adopt microscale experiments readily, given concerns about compliance with terminal examinations.

Through a suite of hands on minds on microscale experiments, this interactive practical session explores how microscale experiments can support delegates to develop enquiry skills as part of their everyday teaching practice. We offer a range of microscale practicals that align with the required practicals in the GCSE and A-level chemistry curricula in England. In doing so, we provide guidance that supports delegates to center working scientifically skills in their teaching and support their students' understanding of the practical components of the chemistry curriculum in England. By attending this workshop, delegates will uncover the power of microscale experiments. Delegates will examine how microscale practicals are valuable time-saving tools that act as a springboard to develop oracy in their classroom. To support delegates embed microscale practicals in their teaching, each attendee will receive copies of 7 GCSE and 4 A-level microscale experimental methods and accompanying worksheets.

Speakers

Robert Campbell

Course Lead PGCE Secondary Science, St Mary's University Twickenham

I am a lecturer in secondary and primary science, having recently spent 10 years teaching in secondary.As a chemistry teacher I am particularly interested in the understanding of symbolism in science education. I completed my masters in how students justify organic chemistry mechanisms... Read More →

Barbara Pearce

St Mary's University Twickenham

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Chemistry lab B5

11-19

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Technicians, Trainees, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @stmaryssecsci

14:15 GMT

Nature-based enrichment of the secondary curriculum: A biology and physics focus

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

Chemistry lab B5

School grounds will almost all have a variety of habitats and microclimates – even if just unkempt vegetation, a tree or two, asphalt and all-weather sports “grass”. These can be the starting point for helping students to discover how our urban spaces can be developed to influence resilience climate change, even if first learning is to suggest what not to do! For the future, school grounds will play a very significant role in schools’ Climate Action Plans.
The Coop Manchester Academy, 11-16, has been a pilot school for the National Education Nature Park (NENP). This session will look at the progress made with the steps that they have taken with their outside space and the impact that this is having within the formal curriculum across the sciences for instance in fieldwork, and in a multitude of ways outside it. Richard (STEM lead and Science Technician) and Aimee (physics and science teacher) will have very practical advice about what the simplest steps can be to “greening” your grounds, the connections that offer support and developing change in your school.

School grounds are a haven for STEM in action – from engineering to ecology. Melissa will discuss how observations in hot weather can inspire learning in sometimes dull-to-teach areas of physics, bringing Science Capital to lessons, showing the difference that planning and planting for nature and climate can make. Infra-red images, and also low-cost infra-red thermometers, will show how the thermal picture of your school can be revealed – even though much of this can be found from simple experience on a hot day. This will link with teaching about e.g. latent heat – making very important biology connections with transpiration, specific heat capacity and materials, the e/m spectrum and the greenhouse effect. Resources for lessons on the NENP website will be referenced.

Delegate outcomes:
Awareness of
•how your school grounds, whatever their current state, can be a resource for learning
•links with specific parts of GCSE (and KS3) sciences
•material available on NENP website for connecting with 11-16 teaching in the sciences
•using infra-red thermometers and images – enlivening thermal physics and adding cross curricular dimensions
•steps to improve your school grounds for nature
•careers relevance in fields such as construction, landscape architecture, civil engineering, materials and urban design, as well as routes via ecology
•potential enhanced engagement of students in STEM climate relevant action and connections

Speakers

Melissa Lord

Independent consultant (previously physics teacher and HoScience), Ogden Trust

After a career in physics teaching, I work on a consultancy basis for the Ogden Trust "making physics matter" - as Regional Rep in the NW, and also occasionally with the PTI supporting physics and science teachers. Physics is about the joy of understanding the universe at all of its... Read More →

Aimee Hopper

Physics and Science teacher, Turton High School

Richard Simpson

STEM Lead and Science Technician, Coop Academy Manchester

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Chemistry lab B5

11-19

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Technicians, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants, ITEs
Twitter feed @melisa_lord16

15:45 GMT

Bringing Biology To Life

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

Chemistry lab B5

Looking to infuse biology with excitement and innovation? The workshop offers attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on demonstrations and training in cutting-edge biology techniques.

Participants will gain insights into optimising microscope usage through proper setup and maintenance protocols and delve into the exploration of the newest range of microscopes and slides.

Moreover, they’ll participate in their own Moss Safari, and experience an innovative approach to teaching photosynthesis with the innovative PASCO Photosynthesis Chamber that leverages fully controllable conditions for photosynthesis experiments.

Attendees can anticipate leaving the workshop equipped not only with enhanced technical skills but also with a deeper understanding of how to transform conventional biology lessons into dynamic and interactive learning experiences.

Speakers

Silas Norman

Product Manager, VITTA Group

Wendy Ford

VITTA Group Brand Manager, VITTA Education

As Brand Manager for the VITTA Group, Wendy is closely involved with the group's dynamic portfolio, which is dedicated to empowering science educators, bringing science to life, and consequently, providing support for the scientists of tomorrow.As an established marketeer, Wendy's... Read More →

Sponsors

VITTA Education

VITTA Education is a leading supplier of scientific equipment to educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. While the name might still be new, the dedicated team, exceptional products, and unwavering commitment to supporting educators, lab technicians, students... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Chemistry lab B5

11-19

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, 11-14, 14-16, Technicians
Twitter feed @VITTAEducation