ASE 2025 Annual Conference

Wellbeing is such a key topic currently for education. For three years (2019-2022) Primary science in Stoke-on-Trent received significant DfE funding (Opportunities Area local plans) to upskill the local school workforce. It is now 2025 and there is much to continue to celebrate. What happens to staff wellbeing when the investment stops?

Tina Whittaker and Karen Peters (co-leads of ‘Science Across the City’) will facilitate reflections from those involved in the funded professional development programme, and in particular focus upon the difference that the model developed, implemented and known as ‘The SATC Science Influencers” made both then and now. This session will invite attendees to explore the successful legacy beyond the funding, and reflect upon the key messages that are transferable and relevant to current policy design and the set-up of local systems leadership. Check and question assumptions of what matters to great teachers by hearing from great teachers.

www.scienceacrossthecity.co.uk

The pressure of delivering a high-quality curriculum and prioritising student success can often come at the expense of teaching, wellbeing and professional progress, and is an issue that affects all stages of the profession – from ECTS to seasoned educators.  

This session will explore different strategies and resources available to help all science teachers juggle these competing demands.

This engaging workshop led by the dynamic Sam Holyman will delve into the transformative power of retrieval practice to save teachers time while improving student outcomes. Delegates will learn to evaluate the use of retrieval practice in the classroom and understand how it significantly enhances student learning and retention. Retrieval practice involves actively recalling information, which strengthens memory and aids in transferring knowledge to long-term storage. It helps students become more adept at remembering and applying what they learn. This session will begin with an evaluation of the effectiveness of retrieval practice based on research, including a consideration of different types of retrieval practice and their relative merits.

A key feature of this session is demonstrating how quizzes can be a cornerstone of retrieval practice. Sam will provide a practical, interactive demonstration of how quizzes can be used not just as assessment tools, but as powerful instruments for fostering student metacognition. Delegates will see how quizzes help students reflect on their learning processes, identify knowledge gaps, and develop improvement strategies. This metacognitive approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning, leading to greater academic success.

The session will also explore how quizzes can serve as diagnostic tools to identify student concerns and inform classroom practice. By analysing quiz results, teachers gain valuable insights into students' understanding and misconceptions. This data-driven approach allows for more targeted and effective teaching interventions, ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed.

This session is highly interactive, combining discussion, group work, and live demonstrations to create a rich CPD experience. Delegates will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators, share their experiences, and gain new perspectives on best practices in teaching.

Leading this workshop is Sam Holyman CSciTeach, an explosive Chemistry teacher with a wealth of experience in various educational settings, including comprehensive, grammar, and independent schools in the Midlands. Sam is also a prolific academic author with over 30 titles published by renowned publishers such as OUP, Pearson, and Collins. Her extensive catalogue includes print and digital textbooks, worksheets, and opinion blogs, catering to UK specifications and beyond.

This session is supported by Educake, which provides online homework and revision for many KS3 and GCSE subjects. It is based on a bank of about 100,000 specification-mapped questions that are automatically marked and give instant feedback to students. These questions, written by teachers and specialist subject editors, range from multiple choice to one-to-three-word answers.

This not-to-be-missed session promises to be both inspiring and practical, equipping attendees with the tools to make a real difference in students' learning journeys.