ASE 2025 Annual Conference

ASE 2025 Annual Conference

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

Can I teach primary science? Yes, you can!

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

How can non-specialists teach high-quality, inspiring, and accurate science lessons confidently in the primary classroom? This session looks at ways to deliver the curriculum and give your pupils a rich science experience even if the last time you were in a lab was your own secondary-school days.

Speakers

Helen Drury

Director of Curriculum Programmes, Ark Curriculum Plus

Dr Helen Drury has been at the heart of the national movement to improve maths education over the last decade. She founded Mathematics Mastery, which now works with over 500 schools nationwide and has proof of significant impact from the Education Endowment Foundation. She holds a... Read More →

Sponsors

Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is the UK’s number one school science publisher. Learning changes lives – and we’re here to drive that change.We support people wherever and however they want to learn, so they can achieve their learning goals and uncover new possibilities. Today, we... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B04

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @OUPPrimary

08:45 GMT

There’s always room for a story!

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

Science and stories, fact or fiction, are means to engage, inspire, enlighten and provoke. Jules and Lynne explore how using story as a pedagogic tool for primary science teachers. Join us for discussion and reflection on the space and place for stories in children’s science learning wherever you are in the world.

Speakers

Lynne Bianchi

Professor / Director, SEERIH, University of Manchester

Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Director of Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation HubComino Foundation Associate Great Science Share for Schools Campaign Director Principal Fellow of the HEA RSA Fellow

Grace Marson

SEERIH Specialist Lead, University of Manchester

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B05

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

08:45 GMT

Wildflower seed bombs- practical approaches using all three sciences

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT

Chemistry lab C10

The STEM project, which will be presented at Science on Stage at Turku 2024, "Wildflower Seed Bombs Using Recycled Paper," offers an innovative approach to promoting biodiversity and sustainability using all three sciences. The idea of crafting seed bombs from recycled paper and using native wildflower seeds, aims to address environmental challenges while also finding a way to repurpose recycled paper. This project focuses not only on biodiversity and increasing wildlife in our gardens but also looks at the material composition in creating a perfect seed bomb and investigating how they could dispersed using different flying mechanisms.
The workshop will look at:

1.Develop a formula for seed bomb construction incorporating different types, length and structure of recycled paper as a primary binding agent.

2. Look at a specific pollinator we will attract and create a Top Trump card for them based on their rarity and usefulness for our wildflower patch.

3. Design a wind dispersal device how to disperse the seed bombs more effectively.

Speakers

Maren Kelly

Head of Maths and Science, St Catherine's Prep School

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Chemistry lab C10

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11

08:45 GMT

Primary Science Teaching Trust warmly welcomes all primary teachers

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

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

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

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

09:45 GMT

Formative Assessment Probes - Starting Points for Responsive Teaching in KS2

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

This workshop will share practical ideas about how, when starting a topic, teachers can quickly and easily find out what children already know and what misconceptions they may hold. It will then consider, using examples from classroom practice, how they can be used to plan next steps in teaching.

This session has links to the book Understanding Children's Ideas in Science sold by ASE/Millgate House

Speakers

Ed Walsh

Science Education Consultant, Ed Walsh Consulting

An author and CPD presenter, I was a teacher for 20 years, 12 of them as team leader. I then worked as a consultant, supporting teachers and science teams, training teachers and developing curriculum materials. I am now a Series Editor for Collins, CPD Trainer for AQA and Development... Read More →

Page Keeley

Retiring President, NSELA

Page Keeley is an American science education consultant and author of over 20 books linking research to practice, including several award-winning books in the Uncovering Student Ideas in Science series. She works with school districts, universities, and organizations throughout the... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC B05

Theme Assessment
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Global, 7 to 11

09:45 GMT

Innovative Tech Tools for Primary Science : Science Fix

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

The author of the new book "Science Fix: Science Made Easy for Primary Teachers", Danny Nicholson, will discuss how to use a variety of cheap and free tools for teaching primary science. Using examples drawn from the book, Danny will guide you through the use of these tools, looking at how they can be mapped to the science curriculum as well as computing skills. The session will look at digital storytelling tools, virtual field trips, data collection and more.

You will leave with knowledge, new skills and a range of ideas to immediately slot into your science plans.

Speakers

Danny Nicholson

ITT Lecturer and Consultant, Think Bank Ltd

Danny Nicholson is an independent teacher trainer, author and consultant. He is a former science teacher and now delivers computing and science training to teachers all over the UK as well as overseas. He has been delivering initial teacher training to primary teachers for nearly... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC B07

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

09:45 GMT

Practical approaches to teaching AI in Primary Schools

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

A hands on session looking at ideas for teaching upper primary children about how AI works in different contexts. The session includes:

- Applications of AI
- AI safety in schools
- Exploring BIG Data applications
- Unplugged activities to explore how AI works
- Benefits of AI
- AI ethics
- Environmental impacts of AI

A set of tried and tested resources will be showcased, and shared, designed specifically to support primary aged children develop their understanding of all aspects of AI.

Speakers

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 →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC B04

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Industry, Global, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14
Twitter feed @glazgow

09:45 GMT

Teaching Primary Science Outdoors

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

Teaching Primary Science Outdoors

This hands-on outdoor session will support you in planning and teaching science lessons outdoors. We will focus on planning for, and teaching, conceptual understanding and working scientifically objectives outdoors. We will look at assessment and recording in science lessons that take place outdoors as well as considering some of the specific practicalities of outdoor learning. You will leave with lots of ideas, as well as renewed confidence and enthusiasm to take your science lessons outdoors!

This session related to the book Teaching Primary Science Outdoors sold by the ASE/Millgate House.

Speakers

Helen Spring

Primary Science & Outdoor Learning Consultant, Independent

I am a Primary Science and Outdoor Learning Consultant for Spring Learning and a Primary Consultant for CLEAPSS, as well as the author of 'Teaching Primary Science Outdoors'. I am the co-chair of the ASE's Primary Science Committee, a Primary Science Quality Mark hub leader and t... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC B01

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11

09:45 GMT

Teaching primary science with support from Oak National Academy

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

We are proud to share with you the new primary science curriculum recently launched by Oak National Academy, in partnership with The Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC), from the University of York.
Oak’s new fully-resourced is built upon the exploration of big questions and employs the latest research-based pedagogical strategies to address common misconceptions while enhancing pupils’ substantive and disciplinary knowledge and vocabulary effectively.

Teachers can access adaptable, sequenced resources, including new and improved slide decks, practice tasks, quizzes and guidance, that provide them with a high-quality starting point for planning their lessons. These have been created to emphasise the development of practical skills, mathematical proficiencies and an understanding of scientific practices, all while embracing diversity as a fundamental principle.

Come and find out about how these high-quality resources can be used to build great curriculum plans and lessons, reduce your lesson planning workload and ultimately improve pupil outcomes.

Speakers

Nicky Waller

Primary science advisory teacher, CIEC, University of York

Hi I am Nicky Waller. I work for CIEC (Centre for Industry Education Collaboration) and as an independent consultant across the NE of England helping to develop children's and teachers' expertise and enjoyment of primary science. I am also the author of 'A Creative Approach to Teaching... Read More →

Elisabeth Pugh

Science lead, The National Academy

Elisabeth is the Science Subject Lead for Oak National Academy. She has worked in science education for over 20 years and has worked as an SME and Science Advisor in EdTech specialising in online learning, assessment, and feedback.

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Pope A34

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11

09:45 GMT

Vocabulary games

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

The first recommendation in the EEF Improving Primary Science report is that teachers should explicitly teach new vocabulary and its meaning, creating opportunities for repeated engagement and use over time.
In this session, delegates will explore a range of engaging activities and games which will support children to understand, use and remember scientific vocabulary. The approach is non-threatening and accessible to all, while encouraging children to take ownership of their own learning and to reach their full potential. The session will include the vocabulary needed for both content knowledge and working scientifically as well as to promote science capital. Delegates will consider how vocabulary can be used within practical lessons to support children to discuss and explain their science as well as thinking about how it can be pre taught prior to science experiences and reinforced afterwards.

Speakers

Jane Winter

Professional Development Leader, University of York Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC)

I love everything to do with primary science, especially the Early Years Foundation Stage. My role at CIEC involves working with teachers to make science enjoyable and worthwhile for both them and their class. I run science and maths courses for Early Years teachers and science courses... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
ESLC C01

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Global, Industry, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @ciecyork

11:15 GMT

Engaging Electricity

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

Chemistry lab C10

This session explores purposeful practical work in the primary classroom through the context of Electricity. Delegates will learn how to design practical activities that deepen pupils learning of electricity concepts while helping pupils see the usefulness of their science learning in everyday life.

By applying science learning to practical problem solving activities, delegates will see how carefully designed practical work can support pupils in seeing themselves as scientists as well as being an effective tool to widen pupils' understanding of how science works.

Speakers

Amanda Poole (Ogden Trust)

Teaching and Learning Coach, Primary Partnerships, Ogden Trust

Amanda Poole is a specialist in primary science education and Chartered Science Teacher. As a physicist, she began her career as a secondary advanced skills teacher in Coventry and after holding a range of senior leadership roles in secondary education she moved into the field of... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Chemistry lab C10

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, 7 to 11

11:15 GMT

PLANning for progression in the working scientifically skills

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

"Leaders' plans to develop pupils’ disciplinary knowledge were usually much less developed than their plans to develop pupils’ substantive knowledge. In general, not enough consideration was given to identifying the disciplinary knowledge, including concepts, that are needed to work scientifically. This limited how effectively leaders could plan a curriculum for pupils to get better at working scientifically over time" - Finding the optimum, Ofsted, February 2023

The PLAN Knowledge Matrices and Examples of Work have successfully supported teachers to plan and confidently assess the substantive knowledge in the National Curriculum in England for Key Stages 1 & 2. In this session, new analogous PLAN resources will be used to demonstrate what working at the expected standard in the working scientifically skills for different year-groups looks like, so teachers can plan appropriate outcomes and make robust assessment judgements.

During the session, the National Curriculum in England working scientifically statements will be broken down so participants understand how different working scientifically skills progress from one phase to the next with examples to illustrate this progression.

Delegates who participate in the session will:

•access resources that will support the teaching and assessment of the working scientifically skills
•understand how the different working scientifically skills progress between phases
•be shown what pupils’ work that meets the expectations looks like for the different working scientifically skills in different phases.

Speakers

Naomi Hiscock

Director, Primary STEM Education Consultancy

Naomi has almost 20 years’ experience as a primary STEM education consultant and is Director of Primary STEM Education Consultancy, one of the most successful specialist primary STEM education consultancies in England. It provides advice to national bodies, local authorities, education partnerships and multi-academy trusts on devising and implementing strategies for primary science and D&T, as well as working... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
ESLC B01

Theme Assessment
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, Trainees, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @NaomiHiscock

11:15 GMT

Play, Be, C: Supporting STEM in early years

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

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

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

Research Keynote: Purposeful and effective practical work in primary science

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

Practical work can fulfil many purposes in the primary science classroom, but which should be the focus, and how do we know if practical work has been used effectively? This research project has been funded by the Nuffield Foundation and draws upon expertise from Bath Spa University (Sarah Earle and Stuart Read) and The University of Manchester (Lynne Bianchi and Julie Jordan) to consider practical work from a uniquely primary perspective.

In this session, we will explore findings from the literature, a national stakeholder survey and teacher interviews to draw conclusions about purposeful practical work. We will share draft guidance and invite discussion about how to support effective practical work in primary science.

Speakers

Julie Jordan

Visiting Researcher University of Manchester, University of Manchester

Lynne Bianchi

Professor / Director, SEERIH, University of Manchester

Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Director of Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation HubComino Foundation Associate Great Science Share for Schools Campaign Director Principal Fellow of the HEA RSA Fellow

Sarah Earle

Professor of Primary Science Education, Bath Spa University

Prof. Sarah Earle PhD CSciTeach FHEA FCCT (she/her)@PriSciEarleProfessor of Primary Science EducationSchool of Education Knowledge Exchange LeadEditor for the Journal of Emergent Science and Research in Science & Technological EducationProject lead for Teacher Assessment in Primary... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Pope LT C15

Theme Research
Key Stage / Audience Type 5 to 7, 7 to 11, Selected by Research Group
Twitter feed @PriSciEarle

11:15 GMT

Wow! Why though?

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

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

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

12:15 GMT

CLEAPSS: Science Ninja's - giving children a choice

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

Scientific enquiry is well recognised as an integral part of primary-aged science learning. However, there is debate about the extent to which children should be guided to design and carry out their own enquiries or be provided with instructions to follow. In this session the CLEAPSS Primary/King’s College London team will talk about the classroom research they have done, and the enquiry focused professional learning program they are running. We hope to explain our rationale and the methodology we are using, sharing some of the successes and challenges of our journey.

Creating the opportunity for some choice instigates powerful feelings of autonomy that help children take ownership of the activity and engage with their learning. Our aim is to help teachers feel comfortable about giving their children decision-making opportunities during practical enquiry activities and for their children to increasingly think of enquiries as theirs. The CLEAPSS/KCL Team will share some schools' early successes and welcome a shared discussion about their recent findings and reflections.

Speakers

Maria Pack

Primary Science Consultant, CLEAPSS

Lucy J Wood

Lecturer in Chemistry Education, Kings College London

I am a Lecturer in Chemistry Education at King’s College London with a research focus on practical work across primary and secondary settings. I have a passion for bringing scientific enquiry into the curriculum and have been closely involved in supporting professional development... Read More →

Jason Harding

Primary Section Leader, CLEAPSS

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Physics B23

Theme Research
Key Stage / Audience Type Selected by Research Group, ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group
Twitter feed @CLEAPSS_Primary

12:15 GMT

Improving working scientifically in primary classrooms

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

Bothered that your pupils only investigate questions that you give them? Concerned the quality of questions is poor when they’ll left to develop an enquiry?

In this session we’ll take you through an approach that improves your approach to scientific question-asking.

Speakers

Lynne Bianchi

Professor / Director, SEERIH, University of Manchester

Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Director of Science & Engineering Education Research and Innovation HubComino Foundation Associate Great Science Share for Schools Campaign Director Principal Fellow of the HEA RSA Fellow

Christina Whittaker

Co-lead Science Across The City Project, Science Across the City

Building Capacity in the primary science landscape, Working collaboratively, Systems leadership, School improvement, School self review ( & Deep Dives), nurturing leaders & outreach

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
ESLC B01

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @UoMSEERIH

12:15 GMT

STREAMlining our approach to teaching and learning scientific vocabulary.

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

The publication of the EEF’s Improving Primary Science report led us to reflect on our own practice and collaborate with 14 local schools to develop and trial a range of activities that provide explicit opportunities for pupils to engage with vocabulary over time both within science lessons and across the wider primary curriculum. Our "STREAM" approach aims to add breadth and depth to science vocabulary retrieval using authentic contexts such as stories and real-world problems that connect to pupils’ experiences. Linking high-quality class texts, STEAM challenges and playful vocabulary activities gives teachers and pupils the opportunity to contextualise and practice new vocabulary, improve engagement, build positive attitudes towards science and improve academic outcomes for all pupils. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the activities and provide feedback, reflect on their own teaching strategies, and discuss whole-school planning ideas.

Speakers

Alex Farrer

PSQM Regional Lead (East Midlands), Primary Science Quality Mark

Science Lead at Wimbledon High Junior School/GDST. PSQM Regional Lead in the East Midlands and PSQM hub leader in SW London. Accredited trainer of the Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach. PSTT Fellow and co-author of the PSTT resources "See Through Science". and "Sketchbook... Read More →

Elizabeth Jenkins

Assistant Head Academic and Innovation, Wimbledon High School

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
ESLC B07

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @JScience_WHS

12:15 GMT

Use Your Classroom to Promote Diversity in Science

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

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

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

14:15 GMT

Primary Teach Meet

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

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

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

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

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

15:30 GMT

Build vocabulary and deepen knowledge: teaching Materials with Explorify

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

Chemistry Lab C10 A

We will introduce and model a simple framework for sequencing Explorify activities to help build children’s long-term memory. We will use new and updated activities which elicit children’s existing knowledge and provide opportunities to practice tier 3 science topic specific vocabulary. The Education Endowment Foundation’s research into teaching primary science advocates using vocabulary approaches that promote rich language connections. Explorify’s award winning activities provide this, together with the opportunity for children to verbally explain their thinking. This helps the children refine their understanding and particularly benefits pupils from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We will try practical activities that help build children’s science understanding and experience in the trickier parts of the materials curriculum. Then we will consider how children’s knowledge can be deepened using Explorify activities for retrieval practice and making links with prior learning.

Speakers

Rebecca Ellis

Regional Mentor and Explorify Content Creator, Primary Science Teaching Trust

Joining the Explorify team in 2022, I am now a content creator. I also work part-time as a teacher and science lead at a primary school in Coventry, and part-time as a Regional Mentor in the Midlands for the PSTT. I am also proud to be a PSQM hub leader. Prior to teaching, I was a... Read More →

Jo Moore

Area Mentor, Primary Science Teaching Trust

After some 18 years in teaching, I joined the Primary Science Teaching Trust as an Explorify Engagement Leader. Together with colleagues, I am responsible for content and supporting teachers to use the activities in the classroom. Before joining Explorify, I was a specialist primary... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
Chemistry Lab C10 A

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Global, Industry, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @PSTT_whyhow

15:30 GMT

Passionate about Plants

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

Why are plants vital to us ? They can provide solutions to some of the problems associated with today’s world, for example in addressing climate change and improving wellbeing . This session will raise awareness for teachers and pupils , share resources about the issues and the importance of plants.

Using the different types of enquiry we will look at using plants and their friends ,both inside and outside the classroom , to make children more aware of the issues and how plants might help to solve them . There will also be practical tips as to how to grow and look after plants and to create a wildlife garden at school .

Speakers

Susie Burr

PSQM Hub Leader, Independent Consultant

I was a Biology and general science teacher but now work mainly with Primary Schools. I am passionate about plants and encouraging children of all ages to enjoy the outdoors. I run a Primary Science Quality Mark hub In Scotland and have had amazing schools achieving all levels from... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
Pope LT C15

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11

15:30 GMT

Sustainable Stories and Solutions for our Planet

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

CIEC’s ever-growing collection of classroom investigations Sustainable Stories and Solutions for our Planet highlights the issues and impacts of sustainability for upper key stage two (9-11 year-olds) children. It contains practical and discussion activities to develop children’s awareness and understanding of sustainability.

The resource includes case studies from companies with a strong reputation in sustainability which provide real life contexts for children to develop the substantive and disciplinary knowledge of the primary national curriculum.
New for 2025, the pack has a brand-new set of activities to introduce children to the topic of sustainable fuel. Come along and try out a range of the exciting activities this pack has to offer.

Speakers

Joy Parvin

Director, CIEC, University of York

Specialise in primary science and associated STEM/career/industry resources, CPD, industry visits and associated programmes (eg Children Challenging Industry).

Mackayla Millar

Advisory Teacher, CIEC

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
ESLC B07

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @ciecyork

15:30 GMT

Working like a scientist - skills boost

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

Where previous COVID-19 restrictions deprived many teachers and pupils of the opportunities to teach and learn through practical science activities, have you noticed that practical science has been / continues to be affected? Using research shared in ‘Finding the Optimum’, we’ll open a discussion around the continued need to to develop and build on children's Working Scientifically skills. This hands-on practical workshop will share CIEC’s strategies to get children working like scientists, focussing on improving resilience, collaboration and disciplinary skills.

Speakers

Melanie Boyeson

Primary Science Advisory Teacher (Humber), Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC)

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
ESLC B05

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, 5 to 7, 7 to 11
Twitter feed @ciecyork