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!

08:45 GMT

CLEAPSS Primary Practical Workshop

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

ESLC B07

This workshop is a circus of practical activities to try and take away, all using easily accessible and easy-to-use materials. All our activities are developed with teachers and trialled in schools with children.

Speakers

Jason Harding

Primary Section Leader, CLEAPSS

Maria Pack

Primary Science Consultant, CLEAPSS

Sally Fulford

Primary Consultant, CLEAPSS

Ex -secondary and primary science teacher now working (and loving my roles) as a consultant for Primary CLEAPSS, the Ogden Trust, PSQM, TAPS and more. Based in Devon.

Friday January 10, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B07

Primary

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

11:15 GMT

Forensic Science - a novel approach to teach children about inheritance

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

ESLC B07

A crime has been committed. There has been a theft at the ASE conference! In this session the participants will become Forensic Scientists. We will find out how Scene of Crime Officers (SOCOs) collect DNA evidence from the crime scene and how the evidence can be used to solve this case. As part of our analysis we will reveal how the thieves in this case are all part of the same family. We will see how information contained in the DNA has been inherited from the mother and father and how this evidence builds to create a strong case to convict them. This is a fantastic way of directly demonstrating the process of inheritance to children in an engaging and fun way. It will help with their understanding of the topic and to see how inheritance can be used to solve criminal cases in the real world. Come along to see some fantastic novel approaches for helping to teach Year 6 pupils about "Evolution & Inheritance".

Speakers

Mandy Hartley

Science Educator, The Little Story Telling Company

My name is Dr Mandy Hartley. I worked in science for 15 years using DNA to help conserve stocks of fish in the North Sea, diagnose patients with inherited genetic diseases and helping identify and reunite families using DNA. I also set up the forensic laboratories for the Norfolk... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
ESLC B07

Primary

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14, ITEs, Trainees, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @littlestoryco

13:15 GMT

Improving inclusion and diversity with 1001 Inventions

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT

ESLC B07

How lighting up the ‘dark ages’ with '1001 Inventions from the East' can enrich the teaching of science in our ethnically diverse society. Award-winning educational producer and philanthropist Ahmed Salim shares how millions of educators use ‘1001 Inventions’ freely available materials to enrich the teaching of science, helping learners celebrate diversity, improve inclusion, and inspire further interest in science. These materials, produced by Ahmed Salim, explore the cultural roots of science with a focus on a period known as the ‘Golden Age of Arabic Science’. They include short films (featuring Oscar winner Sir Ben Kingsley, the legendary Omar Sharif, and scientist Professor Jim Al-Khalili), live science theatre shows, school science fairs, and extensive hands-on workshop guides, along with impact evaluation methods.

Speakers

Ahmed Salim

Founder and Director, 1001 Inventions

Ahmed Salim is the founder and director of ‘1001 Foundation’, whose educational programs have engaged more than 450 million people around the world, working through a network of institutions such as UNESCO, National Geographic, The Royal Society, Science Museum of London, The... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 13:15 - 14:05 GMT
ESLC B07

Primary

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 7 to 11

14:15 GMT

AQA: Teaching Climate Change and Sustainability in GCSE science

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

ESLC B07

In this session we will dive into the AQA science specifications and their newly published resource to discuss how current specifications can support students learning on sustainability and the environment. What more could be done to enhance these important topics across the sciences by adopting a more integrated approach?

Speakers

Natalie Vlachakis

Science Curriculum Manager, AQA

Natalie joined AQA in 2021 as a Curriculum Support Manager in Science. She has a BSc and PhD in biochemistry, and a PGCE in secondary science. Before joining AQA, Natalie was Head of Biology at an Oxfordshire school teaching mostly A-level Biology. Her current role involves talking... Read More →

Sponsors

AQA

Since 1903, we’ve been rewarding achievement by designing and delivering fair and inclusive assessment. We do this because we believe that quality assessment is an essential ingredient for a good education. We’re the most chosen exam board in England and we set and mark the papers... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
ESLC B07

11-19

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

15:45 GMT

Recognising and teaching the different science enquiry types

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

ESLC B07

Enquiry types are an important part of the disciplinary knowledge in the primary science curriculum (England). This session, presented by the authors of the new edition of the book ‘It’s not fair – or is it?’, will use the latest thinking on this aspect of science education to help you to:

•distinguish between the science enquiry types, considering where confusion may arise
•identify which is the most useful enquiry type for particular contexts and questions
•plan for progression in teaching children how to carry out science enquiries from the early years through to upper key stage 2

This session is related to the ASE/Millgate book It's not fair - or is it?

Speakers

Jane Turner CSciTeach

Associate Professor for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Primary Science Quality Mark (University of Hertfordshire)

Associate Professor Jane Turner BA (Hons), PGCE, MEd, CsciTeachJane taught in primary schools in Hertfordshire and London. She is the director of the Primary Science Quality Mark, based at the University of Hertfordshire. Jane has written and contributed to several primary and early... Read More →

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 →

Liz Lawrence

Primary Science Education Consultant, Independent Consultant

I am a PSQM Senior Regional Hub Leader, Chartered Science Teacher, writer and resource developer (including It’s not fair - or is it? and PLAN resources). I have been involved in development of curriculum and assessment at national level. I was, at various times, a science subject... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
ESLC B07

Primary

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type 7 to 11, ECTs, 0-4, 5 to 7, Trainees

08:45 GMT

Critical Thinkers Wanted: Transforming Science Education for the AI world

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

ESLC B07

Science is often on the back foot in terms of the availability and development of technology and assessments, the forgotten child behind English and Maths. The ever-changing world in which our learners will be entering is one where employers are now more interested in skills over experience. The analytical, logical and critical thinking skills required are all interwoven within the science curriculum – how can assessments provide actionable insights into knowledge, skills and ability, not only for academic success but also as a lifelong critical thinking scientist?

Speakers

Christopher Richards

Century Tech

Saturday January 11, 2025 08:45 - 09:35 GMT
ESLC B07

11-19

Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, FE/Skills
Twitter feed @thisiscentury

09:45 GMT

Innovative Tech Tools for Primary Science : Science Fix

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

ESLC B07

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

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

Primary

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

12:15 GMT

STREAMlining our approach to teaching and learning scientific vocabulary.

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

ESLC B07

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

Primary

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

15:30 GMT

Sustainable Stories and Solutions for our Planet

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

ESLC B07

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

Primary

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