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

Spreadsheets, cooking and chemistry... approaches for tricky questions

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

Physics C30

A workshop for those teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry with time to try out and discuss the approaches to tricky topics, such as back titrations, NMR, dynamic equilibria and electrolysis.

Using visual references that students are familiar with, such as making a calculation layout look like a spreadsheet or treating a practical set-up like a recipe in a cookbook, the session is intended to break down the barriers that prevent some students from engaging in the trickier questions, whilst making them fun to teach and easier to mark due to logical structures taught for presenting the answers.

The session is focused on higher tier chemistry GCSE content as well as A-level content, and is suitable for anyone in their teaching journey who would like to try out and share different approaches. Bring a calculator!

Speakers

Jennyfer Marchant

Self-employed Tutor and Science Writer, Independent

I have been in charge of the sciences at a large comprehensive school for four years. I am also in charge of STEM provision, which has involved LEGO robots, Opwall, Farady, Salters and various engineering challenges and visits. I love everything geeky and am also passionate about... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Physics C30

Post-16

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type Post-16, 14-16, ECTs, Global, Teacher Developers

11:15 GMT

Preparing A-level students for Life Sciences and Medicine at University

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

Physics C30

Research suggests that teaching which is tightly focussed on achieving success in A-level Biology examinations might not be helping students transition to university life. Although most students achieve this successfully, a significant minority (maybe up to 30%) struggle and some leave University. This session explores the possible reasons why and proposes a pedagogy designed to support students interested in studying life sciences and medicine at university, based on the series of Oxford University Press Biology primer books.

Speakers

Jane Still

Educational Consultant, Freelance

After doing a biology degree at the University of Exeter and PGCE at the University of Cambridge, Jane has taught in a variety of schools and is an experienced online tutor, examiner, and author.

Dr. Neil Ingram

Honorary Senior Lecturer Science Education, University of Bristol

I am a biologist, interested in what children really need to know about genetics to be citizens of a genomic world. I am a teacher educator, interested in the delights and pitfalls of learning to teach, especially on PGCE courses. I am interested in the use of ICT in schools, sociology... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Physics C30

Post-16

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type Post-16, ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers
Twitter feed @Neilingram1, @JaneStill2

14:15 GMT

Innovate Teaching with Motorized Kits & Structures

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

Physics C30

In this workshop, participants will explore the innovative capabilities of state-of-the-art motorized structure kits and systems. Throughout this hands-on workshop, gain comprehensive insights into constructing and controlling the Motorized Crane, Motorized Structure System, and StructureBOT using advanced stepper and servo motors.
Participants will delve into building and programming these dynamic structures, discovering how to effectively demonstrate real-world engineering principles through engaging interactive projects and challenges.

There is also an opportunity for discussion and collaboration to explore how to align these tools most effectively with educational objectives and enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

This workshop will empower participants to use these innovative tools to bring the excitement of real-world engineering principles into the classroom, fostering a dynamic and hands-on learning environment.

Speakers

Silas Norman

Product Manager, VITTA Group

Wendy Ford

VITTA Group Brand Manager, VITTA Education

As Brand Manager for the VITTA Group, Wendy is closely involved with the group's dynamic portfolio, which is dedicated to empowering science educators, bringing science to life, and consequently, providing support for the scientists of tomorrow.As an established marketeer, Wendy's... Read More →

Sponsors

VITTA Education

VITTA Education is a leading supplier of scientific equipment to educational institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. While the name might still be new, the dedicated team, exceptional products, and unwavering commitment to supporting educators, lab technicians, students... Read More →

Thursday January 9, 2025 14:15 - 15:15 GMT
Physics C30

Post-16

Theme Curriculum and New Teaching Approaches
Key Stage / Audience Type Post-16, ECTs, Industry, 14-16, FE/Skills, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants
Twitter feed @VITTAEducation

09:45 GMT

Required Practicals for Physics - GCSE and A-Level

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

Physics C30

Join us to have a totally hands-on experience of the following Required Practicals. GCSE - Specific Heat Capacity; Acceleration - Newton’s 2nd; Radiation - Leslie’s cube; GCSE & A-Level How does the Resistance of a Wire depend on its length? A-Level - Simple harmonic motion in a spring mass system; Relationship between period and length of the pendulum; Time constant for a capacitor-resistor circuit; Free teaching resources available. Download our App EasySense2 onto your phone, it’s free as well (Android users allow all permissions when downloading).

Speakers

Iain Davison

UK Sales Manager, Data Harvest

I used to teach Secondary Science and did quite a lot of Primary Liaison. I was introduced to data-loggers in my first year of teaching in 1990 and used them ever since and always bought from Data Harvest. In 2000 I received the Institute of Electrical Engineers Teacher of The Year... Read More →

Andy Billington

Technical Support Officer, Data Harvest

Friday January 10, 2025 09:45 - 10:35 GMT
Physics C30

11-19

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type 14-16, Post-16, Global
Twitter feed @dataharvestnews

11:15 GMT

CLEAPSS: Chemical Storage and disposal for science technicians

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

Physics C30

An overview of how to ensure good chemical storage and how to best manage chemical waste

Speakers

Magda Polec

Chemistry Advisor, CLEAPSS

Friday January 10, 2025 11:15 - 12:05 GMT
Physics C30

Technicians

Theme Practical Work
Key Stage / Audience Type Global, Industry, Technicians
Twitter feed @CLEAPSS

12:15 GMT

ASE’s commitment to improving access to STEM for under-represented groups

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

Physics C30

Since 2021, ASE have been working with schools across England to improve their inclusive practice. Our programme ‘Inclusion in Schools’ took a whole school approach to creating a welcoming, safe environment for all children to engage in learning. An ASE consultant worked 1:1 with senior leaders to support them in delivering their vision for inclusion by developing an action plan where focus points were decided through data collection and analysis, consideration of whole school priorities and policies, school demographic and resources. Schools were then provided with timetabled CPD, regular networking opportunities, ongoing evaluation meetings with their consultant, and relevant resource to help them meet their goals. 93% of senior leaders on the programme agreed being part of Inclusion in Schools increased the inclusive culture across the school.

ASE’s Inclusion in Science was an online CPD programme focused on using inclusive techniques to engage students, specifically in science. Over 6 modules, participants learnt how adjusting their language, pedagogy and curriculum can help every student feel that science is for them. The course has been praised for being engaging, informative, thought-provoking, and evidence-based, with an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for sharing ideas. Participants have called it ‘transformative’ and:
‘An absolutely brilliant course that allows you to think deeply about your pedogeological practice’
All of ASE’s work aims to create an environment where students who are underrepresented in STEM are better engaged and inspired in their education and broaden their aspirations.

This session will:
1.Introduce why inclusion work is important to increase diversity in STEM.
2.Reflect on the key take aways from Inclusion in Schools and Inclusion in Science.
3.Showcase ASE’s current offers which now include primary and international secondary schools.

Speakers

Rebecca Peacock

Director of CPD, Association for Science Education

Rebecca's primary purpose is to lead on the development and delivery of a comprehensive and impactful learning and continuing professional development (CPD) programme for ASE members and the wider science education community.

Friday January 10, 2025 12:15 - 13:05 GMT
Physics C30

11-19

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Teacher Developers, Industry, Global, 11-14
Twitter feed @theASE

14:15 GMT

Is there time and space for climate change in the curriculum?

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

Physics C30

This workshop will share the outcomes from two research projects investigating climate change education across the sector.

The first research project includes 14 case studies to find out how school leaders are tackling the Department for Education’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy in primary and secondary schools, colleges and at Multi-Academy Trust and local authority level.

The aims of research project two were: to explore teacher confidence in teaching aspects of climate change; and to gain an understanding of primary teachers ’needs to support effective climate change teaching and learning in different curriculum subjects.

Findings from both research projects will be summarised and themes drawn out. There will be an opportunity for participants to discuss and reflect on project outcomes and take away potential ideas to develop in their own schools and settings, as well as professional development providers.

Delegates will have:
•a greater understanding of how education settings are tackling the Department for Education’s Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy.
•insights into teachers ’confidence and understanding in teaching aspects of climate change and highlight issues of climate anxiety if any.
•considered the challenges of and explored some practical solutions to teaching climate change and sustainability (with a focus on primary subject leaders).

Speakers

Lee Jowett CSciTeach

Climate Change and Sustainability Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre

Joelle Halliday

Senior Research Fellow, Sheffield Hallam University

Joelle designs, leads, and researches teacher professional development activity. She is Co-Director of the Wipro STEM Teacher Fellow and Teacher Mentor Programmes. The programmes aim to increase young people's enjoyment, attainment, and progression in the STEM subjects by supporting... Read More →

Friday January 10, 2025 14:15 - 15:05 GMT
Physics C30

All

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 5 to 7, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, Trainees, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, Selected by Teacher Developers' Group
Twitter feed @leejowett

15:45 GMT

Effective approaches to climate education within the classroom and beyond

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

Physics C30

Effective science education needs to reach beyond the classroom – climate and ecological education is vital knowledge that is essential in the real world and can unite entire school communities. Current approaches to climate education fall short of equipping our pupils with the skills they need for their futures, leaving them helpless and hopeless in the face of the climate crisis.

In this interactive session, SOS-UK and Teach the Teacher young people will share solutions to this issue, explore intergenerational approaches, curriculum tracked changes, and ideas into how we facilitate two-way learning between students and teachers, school staff, and even how that knowledge is shared with families back at home too. Breaking climate education out of its silo empowers our young people to make real change, while feeling supported by the educators around them.

Speakers

Amy Padfield

Senior Project Manager - Education, Students Organising for Sustainability UK

Friday January 10, 2025 15:45 - 16:35 GMT
Physics C30

All

Theme Sustainability climate change & environmental issues
Key Stage / Audience Type ECTs, Global, Industry, Teacher Developers, 7 to 11, 11-14, 14-16, ITEs, Advisors/Consultants, Trainees
Twitter feed @tteacheruk; @sosukcharity