This session will unpack the biggest trends shaping science teaching right now, including how teachers are reacting to the changes to the national curriculum, and what it all means for anyone just starting out in the profession.
Teacher Tapp surveys over 10,000 teachers every day, giving us a unique, real-time picture of what's changing in science classrooms, from practical work and curriculum shifts to workload and AI adoption.
Curriculum debate across the four nations keeps returning to one question. What is science education for? The answers point towards young people who can ask a good question, weigh evidence and contribute something new. Yet working scientifically is often reduced to practical technique, and the disciplinary knowledge behind real research goes untaught. Where research does appear it is usually optional, so the students who would gain most are least likely to meet it.
The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) has worked with over 10,000 students to carry out research. Getting Started with Research is what teachers told us they need to support research and innovation in schools.
What you get: Getting Started with Research is a free lesson programme for students, fully resourced and ready to teach. Lesson plans, slides, worksheets and a knowledge progression map. It builds a shared model of the research cycle, then teaches how researchers find and judge evidence, how curiosity becomes a testable question, who does research, and how students plan an enquiry of their own.
It is designed the way you already plan. Outcomes first, knowledge specified lesson by lesson, misconceptions named, retrieval and modelling built in, reading age controlled. It strengthens working scientifically rather than competing with it, and it maps to the curriculum in all four nations.
Aims and outcomes - In this session we will:
> show why research and innovation are better taught explicitly than left to chance
> walk through the lesson sequence and the knowledge each lesson builds
> show how it fits existing schemes of work, progression pathways and the enrichment you already run
Delegates will leave able to identify where research knowledge is currently assumed rather than taught in their own curriculum, and with free access to the full programme. Time is protected for questions.
This CPD session supports science teachers in developing a deeper understanding of standard demand questions in science assessments. Often forming the core of exam papers, these questions require students to apply knowledge accurately and interpret information with precision. However, many learners struggle to translate their understanding into secure responses.
This session explores what makes standard demand questions challenging and how teachers can better prepare students to meet these expectations. By focusing on the link between knowledge, application, and exam technique, teachers will be equipped to strengthen student performance in this crucial area.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify the defining features of standard demand questions in science assessments and mark schemes. Recognise common student errors, misconceptions, and gaps in application. Apply strategies to support students in interpreting and responding accurately to standard demand questions.
The session will explore the structure and demands of standard demand questions, using real assessment materials to highlight where students commonly succeed and struggle. Teachers will engage in activities to analyse question types, review authentic student responses, and unpick the skills required for success. Through discussion and practical strategies, participants will develop approaches to help students improve accuracy, confidence, and consistency when tackling this essential component of science assessments.
Proudly partnering the ASE for their 2027 Annual Conference.
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 →
Ever wondered how to bring real-world science into your classroom in a meaningful and engaging way? This session introduces Inside Nature, a free resource developed by ZSL that transforms real animal post-mortems into curriculum-linked learning experiences.
You’ll gain insight into the full journey—from veterinary investigation to classroom resource—including the scientific, ethical, and creative decisions involved. Through examples and discussion, we’ll explore how authentic science can enhance engagement, deepen understanding, and make abstract concepts tangible for students. Whether you’re looking to enrich your curriculum, improve practical engagement, or connect students with real scientific careers, this session will provide inspiration and ready-to-use ideas.
Outcomes: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Explain how authentic scientific practices can be adapted into curriculum-aligned resources Identify effective strategies for using real-world science to enhance student engagement and understanding Evaluate the use of multimedia approaches (e.g. dissection footage, animation) in supporting learning Plan how to incorporate similar approaches or resources into their own teaching context
Background: At ZSL, every animal that dies in our care undergoes a post-mortem (necropsy) conducted by specialist veterinary pathologists. These examinations contribute to animal welfare, global research, and the advancement of veterinary knowledge.
Recognising that many secondary schools face barriers to accessing real-world science experiences, ZSL’s Conservation Education team developed Inside Nature. This project bridges classroom learning and authentic scientific practice by transforming real post-mortems into curriculum-linked resources. Drawing on collaboration between educators, scientists, and creative teams, the project translates complex, sensitive material into impactful, accessible teaching tools
This session will include input from Hitchin School Girls who will give insights and practical tips on how to encourage independent revision for students.
There will be lots of visuals in this practical session with some discussions in smaller groups.
