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!

09:45 GMT

The joy of practical primary science - more ideas

Thursday January 9, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT

Coates C22

Using surprising science to aid discussion and experimentation supports scientific thinking. In this practical workshop participants carry out activities which seem surprising. We will discuss how they work and how to use them in the classroom. Most of the activities will use materials easy to source so they are straightforward to replicate in the classroom.

Speakers

Sarah Sisson

Workshop leader, Sphere Science

Practical activities to do in classrooms, at school events and with families.

Meg Post

Workshop leader, Sphere Science

I am interested in supporting the personal development of scientific thinking in people of all ages, especially through investigative science and practical demonstration. My background, originally in manuscript conservation, is in teaching at all levels, currently especially primary... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

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

11:15 GMT

Scientist's Story Time - Unlocking Rich Contexts in Children's Literature

Thursday January 9, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT

Coates C22

Rich contexts, taken from children’s literature, can be used to give pupils a purpose for scientific learning. Stories promote emotive responses - leading to children being more invested in their learning. By using drama conventions, children become real scientists; help well-known characters and understand the breadth of STEM careers available. In a post-lockdown world, this re-builds resilience, problem-solving, collaboration and metacognition.

In Ted Hughes’ The Iron Man, local farmers are outraged by a giant metal man destroying their livelihoods and are desperate for help. As electrical engineers, can pupils learn the substantive and disciplinary knowledge required to stop him in his tracks?

Delegates will step in to fictional contexts and solve problems as working scientists. During the workshop, they will learn how to carefully select age-appropriate texts for purpose and build a progressive sequence of substantive and disciplinary knowledge for a range of topics across the primary science curriculum. There will also be opportunities to consider wider, meaningful curriculum links and outdoor learning opportunities.

Speakers

Rebecca Riley

PSTT Fellow, Assistant Headteacher, Curriculum Lead, Enhance Academy Trust

Joshua Hammond

Enhance Academy Trust, Class Teacher, Maths and computing lead, Enhance Academy Trust

Thursday January 9, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

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

12:15 GMT

Using AI in the chemistry classroom - tips, tricks (and failures!)

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT

Coates C22

Aimed at practicing secondary school chemistry teachers, this talk will highlight innovative AI tools and techniques that can save time in a busy teacher’s chemistry classroom. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights and strategies to integrate AI into their teaching practices, ultimately enabling them to spend more time on impactful teaching. This includes exploring lesson planning and the possibility of automating tasks such as marking. Real-life examples of AI applications that have successfully enhanced classroom management and student engagement will be shared, using examples for GCSE and A-level chemistry. Some examples of successes and failures will be shared so that practices can be used in their own classrooms immediately.

Speakers

Penny Robotham

Vice Principal and teacher of chemistry, The National Mathematics and Science College

A teacher - researcher and active member of the Teacher Action research group PALAVA, I lead on chemistry at the National Mathematics and Science College. I was a lead practictioner for the SSAT on the Practical in Science project and chair the RSC UK Chemistry Olympiad Working P... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Using AI to deliver the science curriculum
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @DrPRobotham

14:15 GMT

Like winning the lottery': CREST practical kit boxes - Maria Rossini

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT

Coates C22

CREST Superstar activities have been well evaluated and respected for over 15 years, but time, resources and confidence are often barriers to teachers doing these impactful projects with their classes. Funded by the NCR foundation, the BSA sought to overcome these barriers by providing a holistic response through an 'everything' kit box.

This session will look at the activities, the kit provided and the feedback from teachers who have used the boxes so far. You'll have a chance to play, as well as find out how you might be able to get your hands on a (possibly free!) box for your school.

Speakers

Catherine Davies

Resources Manager, British Science Association

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

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

15:45 GMT

Improving the Quality of Primary Science in the East Midlands.

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT

Coates C22

Primary Science Quality Mark hub leaders from the East Midlands will share examples from schools across the region of the impact of the year-long, PSQM professional development and wider school improvement programme on science subject leadership, teaching and learning and curriculum design. The PSQM programme provides expert support to science subject leads to equip them to to identify development priorities and professional learning needs leading to a transformation of the quality and profile of science education in their schools. This session will showcase the impact of science subject leadership development in PSQM schools. Examples will include outcomes in areas such as using assessment to support learning, promoting inclusion and equity, connecting contexts and skills with other curriculum areas and real-world contexts, developing pupils’ scientific vocabulary, teaching the knowledge and skills required to work scientifically and ensuring the science curriculum engages, inspires and challenges all pupils through planned progression in content and procedural knowledge.

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 →

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 →

Tracy Tyrrell

Primary Science Consultant

Tracy began teaching in 2001 and, because of her background in research science, became the science lead at her school soon after. As a highly regarded new resource, the original AKSIS Project book featured heavily in the local authority training for science leads and the clever exercises... Read More →

Emma Twomey

Primary Teacher

Helen Tiplady

Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Northampton

Helen is a Senior Lecturer in the Initial Teacher Training team in the Faculty of Health, Education and Society and is currently the Module Leader for the science modules, lectures on the Research Practitioner module and has been the Module Leader in designing and delivering a brand... Read More →

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 →

Thursday January 9, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Coates C22

Primary

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 0-4, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group
Twitter feed @Psqm_HQ

08:45 GMT

Teacher Retention- International Case Studies

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

Coates C22

Is teacher attrition an inevitable fact of life? Annual attrition rates for Early Career Science Teachers in England are running at an eye watering 15% per annum despite major government initiatives. But this does not have to be case. Taking case studies from across the world delegates will be invited to see if there are lessons to be learned from further afield.

Speakers

Chris Shepherd

Strategic Lead (Recruitment & Retraining), Institute of Physics

My role is to improve the recruitment of physics teachers across the UK and Ireland. I lead a team that markets teaching as a career to wide audience from undergraduates through to career changers and returners, . We run the IOP Teacher Training Scholarship scheme on behalf of the... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, ITEs, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @_chrisshepherd_

11:15 GMT

Improving engagement and attainment in Science in Alternative Provision

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

Coates C22

Since moving from mainstream secondary education to work in Alternative Provision (AP*) in September 2022, Gemma has been tackling the question of what a meaningful, fit-for-purpose, and successful science curriculum, looks like in this setting. Very little is written about the curriculum in AP in general, and there is even less writing or data on Science in AP. Science provision in AP is patchy across the country, with some provisions unable to find a science teacher and dropping the subject from the curriculum. Many science teachers working in AP are the sole teacher, or work in a team of two people, and the vast majority work without a technician. Finding herself in a similar situation, Gemma reached out to others and formed the Science in AP network.

Many young people excluded from school, at risk of exclusion, or unable to access mainstream education due to SEMH needs, have poor prior experiences of science education. Reflecting the national trend, seen in research such as the Science Education Tracker, many of these young people have the least access to practical science work and enrichment opportunities - both when they have been in mainstream schools and during their time in AP.

In this session Gemma will talk about her journey so far in developing a science curriculum in AP. We will look at ways to adapt a curriculum to a setting where students come and go, and may join with many gaps in their education. We will also look at ways to enable students in AP to access practical science and science enrichment opportunities - even when budgets are tight!

The session will also discuss how the lessons from AP can be applied to mainstream secondary education - ensuring students at risk of exclusion are not excluded from the science classroom before they are even excluded from school.

Speakers

Gemma Short

Head of Science, Haringey Learning Partnership

Gemma has been Science Lead Teacher at Haringey Learning Partnership (AP) since September 2022. Previous to this she has 9 years experience working in mainstream school science departments in Sheffield, Rotherham and London as a classroom teacher, and Head of Chemistry, as well as... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, 11-14, 14-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @bolshybunsens

12:15 GMT

Diversifying the secondary science curriculum - a case study

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

Coates C22

This session looks at how a multi-academy trust developed a DEI vision and implemented that in the curriculum and resourcing of secondary science.

Speakers

Natalie Johnston

Trust Wide Subject Lead (Science), David Ross Education Trust

Natalie is a Trust Wide lead for Science for a MAT. She holds a BSc Hons in Human Genetics from Newcastle University, QTS from Bishop Grosseteste College Lincoln, MEd Educational Leadership from University of Buckingham and has just been offered a place to study MSc in Teacher Education... Read More →

Emma Swift

Deputy Headteacher, Alvaston Moor Academy

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16
Twitter feed @Johnston_Nat_; @emmaswift

14:15 GMT

Delivery of a high-quality science curriculum without compromising wellbeing

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

Coates C22

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.

Speakers

Andy Chandler-Grevatt

Senior Lecturer in Science Education, University of Brighton

Past ASE 11-19 Chair (2021-2022) and current Chair of Surrey and Sussex Region Curriculum Editor for Oxford University Press Smart Activate Senior Lecturer in Science Education, University of Brighton (ITE tutor) CSciTeach Talk to me about: assessment without testing, teacher... 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 →

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Wellbeing and Effective Working Practices
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16
Twitter feed @Grevster73, @OUPSecondary

15:45 GMT

Science curriculum design and implementation for inclusion

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

Coates C22

This session looks at how thoughtful curriculum planning and development using cognitive science can ensure accessibility and attainment for all learners.

Speakers

Natalie Johnston

Trust Wide Subject Lead (Science), David Ross Education Trust

Emma Swift

Deputy Headteacher, Alvaston Moor Academy

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16
Twitter feed @Johnston_Nat_; @emmaswift

08:45 GMT

Affective connection with science through Open Schooling and Storytelling

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

Coates C22

How does the CONNECT-science questionnaire assess students' emotional connection to science, while open schooling activities and the captivating story "Our Green Library: CARE-KNOW-DO" ignites their passion and fosters scientific knowledge and action?

This research is part of the EU-funded project CONNECT-science.net and the UK Green-Forum involving primary and secondary schools.

Speakers

Alexandra Okada

Senior Research Fellow, The Open University

Dr. Alexandra Okada is the scientific coordinator of the EU funded project CONNECT - open schooling and principal investigator of OLAF - Online Learning and Fun. She is an educational senior researcher at the Open University UK, a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy and... Read More →

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
Coates C22

All

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

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

Professor of Developmental Psychology, University of Nottingham

I study how attention and short-term memory skills develop and change across the lifespan. I am particularly interested in how children's attention and short-term memory skills support their learning in the classroom (https://thesumproject.wordpress.com/), as well as how attentio... Read More →

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

12:15 GMT

Frontier Science: TBC

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

Coates C22

Saturday January 11, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Coates C22

Frontier Science

Theme Frontier Science

15:30 GMT

Maths skills of trainee science teachers: help us develop an audit tool!

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

Coates C22

Our previous survey of Science Initial Teacher Training providers and their trainees in England, conducted during 2023 showed that there is a systemic lack of focus on mathematical skills in science Initial Teacher Training. As a result of this work, the authors are developing a freely available targeted maths resource to support pre-service science teachers during their training year.

During this structured workshop, the authors will share the audit being developed, the results of initial testing and seek your input to the signposting of external resources which will support trainee teachers to further develop their science specific maths skills.

Help us to select and match the best resources to each maths skill.

This session relates to the books sold by ASE/Millgate titled the Language of Maths in Science and Grappling with Graphs.

Speakers

Dr Liz Nourshargh

Educational Consultant, N2Scientific

Caroline Neuberg

Leeds Trinity University, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education Twitter, Leeds Trinity University

Saturday January 11, 2025 15:30 - 16:20 GMT
Coates C22

11-19

Theme Professional Journeys
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, 14-16, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants, ITEs