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

Primary Science Teaching Trust warmly welcomes all primary teachers

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 14:15 GMT

Pope A17

A warm welcome to the primary science networking space! Come along and pick up complimentary refreshments, meet other primary colleagues and find out more about how the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) can support you. We have expert advice on hand and a wealth of FREE resources to give away, including prize draws for many of our paid resources. We are delighted that TTS-group and Explorify are joining us in the networking space - please come along and chat to them about the latest resources and how to access their support.

Speakers

Ali Eley

National Programme Director, Primary Science Teaching Trust

Alison Eley has been a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust since 2012. Ali’s teaching career has included being a science subject leader in primary schools in Somerset and South West London, working in Initial Teacher Education as a senior lecturer in primary science at... Read More →

Barbara French

Communications and Content Manager, Primary Science Teaching Trust

Be sure to visit the PSTT's networking space on Level 2 of the Learning Hub outside rooms 227 to 231 on 5th and 6th January for refreshments and to discuss primary science.Here, you'll learn about support opportunities for your school as well as science resources to use with your... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 14:15 GMT
Pope A17

Primary

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

09:45 GMT

Frontier Science: What are executive functions and how do they help children learn maths and science?

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT

Coates C22

Executive functions are a set of cognitive skills that help us to guide and control our attention, thoughts and behaviour in order to think flexibly, work towards goals and ignore distractions. They develop slowly throughout childhood and adolescence but there can also be considerable variation between individuals.

Executive functions are consistent predictors of academic outcomes, such that a child with good executive functions is likely to do well at school. In this session I will review our recent research investigating the role that different aspects of executive function play in maths and science learning at primary and secondary level and make some suggestions about both what can, and what can’t, be done in the classroom to support these important learning skills.

Speakers

Lucy Cragg

University of Nottingham

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Coates C22

Frontier Science

Theme Frontier Science
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, Trainees, Global
Twitter feed @lucycragg

11:15 GMT

Chair Chat

Saturday January 11, 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

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 →

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 →

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 →

Alex Sinclair

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

Saturday January 11, 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

Play, Be, C: Supporting STEM in early years

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

ESLC B04

Play is key for young children’s learning, and the world around them is a source of wonder and interest. Using play based methods, NUSTEM have developed a resource to help early years educators introduce young children to STEM careers. The resources are designed to support adults without a science or STEM background to confidently engage children with science and careers.

In this session we will look at why it’s important to introduce STEM careers into early years and how we can help children playfully explore the world around them through the award winning Play, Be, C resource.

Speakers

Carol Davenport

Director, NUSTEM, Northumbria University

Carol is an Associate Professor and Director of NUSTEM at Northumbria University.Carol began working in education at Barnsley College as a Physics lecturer, and later taught at a large North East school. Moving into teacher education, she worked within the network of Science Learning... Read More →

Melanie Horan

NUSTEM Primary Outreach Officer, Northumbria University

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
ESLC B04

Primary

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7
Twitter feed @DrDav; @nustem_uk

11:15 GMT

Wow! Why though?

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

ESLC C01

Join us for this practical session that looks at how to ensure meaningful learning happens when awe and wonder experiences are brought into the primary classroom. We'll look at some familiar and some new 'wow factor' activities and consider how these can be linked to the curriculum, how the science applies in the real world and how learning can be made relevant to children's own lives.

This session related to Kathryn's book Wow! But Why though? Sold by the ASE/ Millgate House bookshop

Speakers

Kathryn Horan CSciTeach

Pudsey Waterloo Primary School, Primary Science Consultant, Pudsey Waterloo Primary School

I'm a primary teacher, PSQM Hub Leader and independent consultant based in West Yorkshire. I'm also a PSTT College Fellow and Chartered Science Teacher.I have particular interests in effective links between science and literacy, including teaching science with stories and using drama... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
ESLC C01

Primary

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @scikathryn

11:15 GMT

Schools Exhibition

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 13:15 GMT

Chemistry Building Foyer

The ASE Schools’ Exhibition has become one of the most popular elements of the ASE Annual Conference every January. Schools from all sectors of education are invited to present a science project happening in their classrooms or science/STEM clubs. One teacher from each school is invited to provide a display, which can include artefacts and/or posters illustrating their school project, and is invited to talk about their project. Up to 2 pupils can accompany their teacher to help demonstrate their activities and talk about their school project.

Come along to the Schools' Exhibition to chat with the project leaders and educators, and find out more what has been going on in other schools and STEM clubs.

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 13:15 GMT
Chemistry Building Foyer

All

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

12:15 GMT

Science Education Beyond the Classroom

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Pope LT C17

Have you recently left the classroom, or perhaps considering alternative career paths in science education? Maybe you are considering part time with a related role elsewhere. There is an increasing rise in the ‘portfolio’ career for educators. Come along to this discussion to consider the risks, opportunities, pros and cons of diversifying beyond the classroom. If you have already developed this sort of career come along and share your experiences.

Speakers

Joanna Pellereau

Teaching Fellow, University of Warwick

Having been a physics teacher and Head of Department for over a decade, I am now a teaching fellow at the Centre for Teacher Education at the University of Warwick. I am also a University Lead Mentor at the National Institute of Teaching and Education at Coventry University. I also... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Pope LT C17

All

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Industry, Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills, Advisors/Consultants

12:15 GMT

Use Your Classroom to Promote Diversity in Science

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

ESLC B05

In this session, we discuss the importance of diverse role models. Our presenter delves into the meaning of diversity and common misconceptions that ‘diversity’ brings.We will be signposting high quality resources that are easy to add to your curriculum while enriching your science lessons. Particularly aimed at class teachers, science subject leaders, student teachers and anyone with an interest in primary science education.

Speakers

Alison Trew

Impact & Research Director (acting) and Regional Mentor, Primary Science Teaching Trust

PSTT Projects/Resources: Did you know? (Introducing cutting-edge research to primary children), A Scientist Just Like Me, Standing On the Shoulders of Giants, Floorbooks, Play Observe & Ask (Early Years), Air Pollution Research. Accredited trainer for: Thinking Doing Talking Science... Read More →

Kulvinder Johal

Regional Mentor for London and the S.E., Primary Science Teaching Trust

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
ESLC B05

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Industry, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14
Twitter feed @PSTT_whyhow

13:15 GMT

Keynote: Can Geology save the world?

Saturday January 11, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT

Pope LT C15

Geologists just look at rocks, right? In this talk, I’ll invite you to reimagine the almost unimaginable ways in which geology shapes our lives, livelihoods, and Labour's red wall. I’ll show how many of the great social, environmental and economic challenges of the 21st Century require the work of Geoscientists…

Speakers

Christopher Aiden-Lee Jackson

Professor of Basin Analysis, Imperial College London (Dept of Earth Science & Engineering)

Chris Jackson is Technical Director at the engineering consultancy WSP and Visiting Professor of Basin Analysis at Imperial College London. Chris works in the general area of sedimentary basin analysis. When not studying the subsurface of the Earth, Chris gives geoscience lectures... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
Pope LT C15

All

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, ECTs, Advisors/Consultants, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Global, FE/Skills, Trainees

14:15 GMT

Primary Teach Meet

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

ESLC C01

The primary teach meet is a great opportunity for people from the Primary Science Education Community to come together to network and hear about top tips, inspiring resources and not-to-be-missed opportunities.

Speakers

Sarah Eames CSciTeach

Primary Teacher and PSTT Mentor, Sandfield Close Primary School

Primary Teacher - I love teaching; I also love being a fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust and working for them 1 day a week. Yes, the best of both worlds! Proud to be on the ASE Primary Committee.Padlet link for 2024ASE Primary Teachmeet 2024 (padlet.com)... Read More →

Sheetal Kowalczyk

Primary Teacher, Bromley High Junior School

Saturday January 11, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
ESLC C01

Primary

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

15:30 GMT

Avoiding Early Misconceptions

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT

ESLC B04

This session will look at how to engage EYFS pupils of all abilities with science without introducing misconceptions. We will consider some key topics and ways to teach them through simple but correct explanations and practical experiments. This will be linked to the English National Curriculum, but with applicability to other curricula. There will be an opportunity to share ideas with other EYFS teachers.

Speakers

Christina Arundel

EYFS Lead, Beacon Academy

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
ESLC B04

Primary

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7