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The ASE is delighted to be hosting its’ 2027 Annual Conference at the University of Northampton from 7th to 9th January.


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Friday, January 8
 

08:45 GMT

(AQA): Practical Power: classroom practice and exam success in A-level biology
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
This CPD session supports science teachers in strengthening the connection between practical work and exam success in A-level Biology. While practical experiences are central to the subject, students often struggle to translate hands-on understanding into high-quality written responses in assessments.

This session explores how practical skills, knowledge, and exam technique intersect, helping teachers bridge the gap between classroom practice and examination performance. By focusing on how practical work is assessed, teachers will be equipped to maximise the impact of practical activities on student outcomes.

Session Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify how practical skills and knowledge are assessed in A-Level Biology examinations.
Recognise common weaknesses in how students apply practical understanding in written responses.
Apply strategies to better integrate required practical work with exam preparation and assessment success.

The session will explore the relationship between practical work, CPAC and exam performance, using real A-Level Biology questions and mark schemes to highlight key demands. Teachers will engage in activities to analyse how practical knowledge and skills are examined, review student responses, and identify where marks are gained and lost. Through discussion and practical strategies, participants will develop approaches to ensure that practical experiences translate into confident, accurate, and successful exam performance.
Speakers
avatar for Damien Gent

Damien Gent

Subject Support - Science Lead, AQA

Sponsors
avatar for AQA

AQA

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 →

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH321 (Learning Hub Level 3)
  11-19

08:45 GMT

(OUP) Critical and scientific thinking in the age of AI
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
Science teachers are increasingly working with students who encounter AI-generated information every day, both inside and outside school. From chatbot explanations to AI-generated revision materials and scientific imagery, young people are already navigating a world where information can appear authoritative while containing inaccuracies, misconceptions or fabricated content. This session argues that AI literacy belongs within science education because scientific thinking provides one of the strongest frameworks for evaluating AI-generated information critically and responsibly.

This interactive workshop will explore how KS3 science classrooms can support students in developing critical disciplinary literacy in response to the growing influence of generative AI. Rather than focusing on specific tools or software, the session will examine how existing approaches in science education, including evidence evaluation, identifying misconceptions, questioning claims, and communicating scientific ideas accurately, can help students engage thoughtfully with AI-generated content.
The session also considers the increasing importance of supporting students to critically engage with misinformation, disinformation and misleading online content, including scientific conspiracy claims and AI-generated inaccuracies encountered beyond the classroom.

Participants will leave with:
a clearer understanding of the implications of generative AI for science education;
practical classroom strategies for developing critical AI literacy through science;
approaches for helping students evaluate scientific claims and information critically;
increased confidence in discussing AI, accuracy, misinformation and scientific communication within KS3 science contexts;
ideas for embedding AI literacy within existing science curricula and pedagogical approaches.
Speakers
ED

Emma Darcy

AI and Technology for Learning Consultant

Sponsors
avatar for Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press

As part of one of the world’s great universities, we’re driven by a love of learning and a deep conviction that education is a universal good.

For us, every child deserves to be taught by brilliantly professional teachers, working in close partnership with engaged parents, using the best and most inspiring learning resources, technology, and teaching methods. To that end, we work with the brightest, most creative educational... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH127 (Learning Hub Level 1)

08:45 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Steve Jones

Steve Jones

Director, CLEAPSS
Steve taught science in secondary schools for 28 years before moving into advisory work, initially for Hertfordshire and then as a regional adviser for the Secondary National Strategy - Always passionate about practical work Steve believes that hands-on activities are quite simply... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

08:45 GMT

Teaching scientific enquiry
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
Conducting experiments is seen as a valuable, if not essential, part of physics education. However, such activities are also costly and time-consuming. Moreover, it is often reported that these activities hardly contribute to the students’ content knowledge, nor that they enhance students’ view on how science works or teaches them how to plan an inquiry independently.

In this interactive presentation, I highlight our approach to teaching scientific inquiry - engaging students in scientific inquiry through a focus on argumentation. I will elaborate on the various studies conducted on teaching scientific inquiry to 14-16y olds (culminated in the dissertation 'Development of a teaching-learning sequence for scientific inquiry through argumentation in secondary physics education').

In addition to a brief overview of the scientific findings, I engage participants hands-on in the activities, provide practical advice and materials that can be directly applied in the own classroom setting.
Speakers
FP

Freek Pols

Assistant Professor, Delft University of Technology

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

08:45 GMT

The future of the physics teaching workforce
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
The last year has seen radical changes in the numbers of trainee physics teachers recruited, retained as well as those returning to the profession.

What does the future hold?

The Institute of Physics laid out its own vision for a thriving teaching workforce in its 3Rs report, published in September 2025. What has changed since then and what have we learned?
Speakers
avatar for Chris Shepherd

Chris Shepherd

Manager (Teaching Workforce), Institute of Physics

GB

Gemma Butt

Project Officer (Teaching Workforce), Institute of Physics

Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

08:45 GMT

Update from CLEAPSS
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
Keep up to date with the latest guidance, resources, and support available from CLEAPSS.

This session provides an overview of recent changes and important safety updates. Ideal for technicians, teachers, and leaders who want to stay informed and confident in their practice. Join us to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and gain a clear understanding of safe and effective approaches.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

09:55 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

09:55 GMT

Making STEM accessible: Creating a 'safe-to-fail' environment for SEND students
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
Failure and experimentation are fundamental parts of STEM, but in practice SEND students can find the 'trial and error' of STEM incredibly challenging. By creating scaffolded, flexible lesson plans and building our own STEM confidence, we can deliver more accessible and inclusive lessons for our students in environments where they truly feel safe. In this interactive workshop the Lightyear Foundation and members of their youth advisory panel will share their lived experiences, explore best practice and facilitate a space for teachers to grow their skills and confidence in inclusive STEM.

Outcomes:
- Participants will understand some of the barriers facing disabled and neurodivergent students in STEM, and how they can be reduced or removed.
- Participants will be feel more confident delivering accessible and inclusive STEM lessons.
- Participants will feel empowered to reach out to each other & the SEND in STEM Network for support.

Background: As a disabled-led organisation specialising in accessible and inclusive STEM, we regularly work with teachers who struggle delivering STEM lessons with their SEND students. One of the main barriers they face is the emotional dysregulation which can follow an "unsuccessful" science experiment, or a tricky maths problem. Teachers tell us that "SEND students aren't allowed to fail", and when this combines with their own low subject confidence, teachers can end up feeling anxious and unsure about their STEM lessons. Our experience delivering accessible and inclusive STEM, combined with the expertise of our youth advisory panel, has shown us that embracing failure as a fundamental part of STEM is just one of the practical steps that can lead to 'safe-to-fail' classroom environments, and grow student and teacher confidence.
Speakers
HF

Hannah Ford Tomlinson

Communities & Partnerships Programme Manager, Lightyear Foundation

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH125 (Learning Hub Level 1)
  11-19

09:55 GMT

My pipette is a lab - the many uses of the single-use pipette
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
In this session participants will engage in experiments which are conducted solely in a plastic pipette. We will do four experiments on kinetics, equilibrium and extraction.

Participants will measure with and combine different compounds in a pipette and they will observe changes inside the pipette bulb. Our aim is to showcase an easy method to do popular practicals at a lower cost, both timewise and financially. Participants will be left with experiments that work and can be directly applied in their classroom in the same week if they wish. My interest in microscale practicals is born out of necessity - in my country labs are greatly lacking.

In the last 10 or so years I teach teachers in microscale methods and try new experiments in my classroom. In the last few years I work closely with colleagues from UK (school teachers and CLEAPSS) to develop new experiments.
Speakers
avatar for Nasko Stamenov

Nasko Stamenov

Lecturer, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
Nasko Stamenov is a chemistry educatior and communicator. He holds a MSc in Materials' science from the Sofia University, Bulgaria, where he currently teaches 'Methodology of the chemistry experiment'. As sciemce communicator Nasko has a weekly show on the Bulgarian National tele... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

09:55 GMT

Post-16 chemistry masterclass: IR & 1H NMR spectroscopy
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
This session will cover IR spectroscopy - interpretation of spectra to determine functional groups & fingerprinting using example spectra run by volunteer delegates to exemplify key teaching and examination points; ditto for 1H NMR spectroscopy - methods of interpreting spectra to determine molecular structure and predicting spectra from known structures - again to exemplify key teaching and examination points.

Outcomes: delegates will be more au fait with what a good examination answer looks like for both IR and 1H NMR and the classic student misconceptions to avoid.


Speakers
avatar for Peter Hoare

Peter Hoare

STEM Outreach Officer, Newcastle University
I am a former chemistry teacher (20 yrs) now working in STEM Outreach at a Russell Group University (16 years) and an experienced (31 yrs) A-level chemistry examiner for a major English exam board. I run many masterclasses, A-level Revision Workshops and Spectroscopy in a Suitcase... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

09:55 GMT

Research in action: unlocking better science teaching
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
This session will explore how action research has been used to drive meaningful and sustained improvements in science teaching and learning at The Manchester Grammar School. Framed around the principle of teachers as researchers, we will share how small-scale, classroom-based inquiry has empowered colleagues to take ownership of their professional development and directly shape departmental practice.

Over the course of the session, we will present a series of practitioner-led research projects carried out across the science department. We will outline how these projects were structured, supported, and embedded into a wider CPD programme, including the role of collaborative discussion, learning walks, and professional dialogue.

Crucially, we will evaluate the impact of this approach beyond individual classrooms, demonstrating how insights from action research have informed departmental priorities, strengthened consistency in teaching, and contributed to a culture of reflective practice. We will also reflect on the challenges of implementing this model and how they were addressed to ensure engagement and sustainability.

The session will include opportunities for discussion, enabling participants to consider how a similar approach could be adapted to their own contexts. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for embedding action research into CPD and for fostering a culture where evidence-informed practice can thrive.
Speakers
AW

Anna Wicking

Assistant Head (Professional Development and Digital Innovation), The Manchester Grammar School

JA

Jason Ashton

Physics Teacher, The Manchester Grammar School
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

09:55 GMT

Why girls choose A-level physics - findings from an EdD research project
Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
Curious to know why girls do choose physics A-level? This session presents the results and conclusions from a doctoral research project recently conducted in England.

Outcomes – Participants will be able to reflect on the uptake of A-level physics by girls in their school and take ideas from the research to employ in their own setting.

Following on from the results presented at ASE 2026 Annual Conference, this session will present the final results and findings from my EdD doctoral thesis into why girls do choose to study A-level physics. It is aimed at secondary school teachers and leaders looking to increase the numbers of girls choosing the subject, as well as researchers interested in physics education. There will be time allocated at the end of the presentation for comments, questions and discussion.

Background – At ASE Conference 2026, I presented the initial findings from my doctoral research project and in this session I will share the findings and conclusions presented in the thesis. The research draws upon my experience of teaching GCSE and A-level physics. Initially I was curious to know why girls who enjoyed physics at GCSE and were achieving top grades were not choosing to take the subject to A-level. The numbers of girls choosing A-level physics have remained stable over a few decades, so I decided to find out what it is about these girls to explain why they choose A-level physics through the use of focus groups and semi-structured interviews.

In my experience, girls studying A-level physics regularly outperformed the boys (in tests and conducting practical work) and so I wanted to know more about their reasons for choosing a subject that many girls choose not to study.
Speakers
avatar for Gill Clarke

Gill Clarke

Doctoral Researcher, Oxford Brookes University

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH344 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

10:50 GMT

Biology educators tea/coffee and muffins (sponsored by Miss Estruch Teach & Tell)
Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT
If your focus is teaching or supporting biology lessons, come along for a networking session with complimentary tea/coffee and a muffin, to discuss how Miss Estruch Teach & Tell can support your practice!
Sponsors
avatar for Miss Estruch Teach & Tell

Miss Estruch Teach & Tell

Miss Estruch Teach & Tell
Miss Estruch Teach & Tell is the proud sponsor of the Biology Education Research Programme (BERG) on Thursday of Conference, 

'Teach & Tell is run by Miss Estruch (Katie Estruch), a biology teacher since 2009 and former Head of Department, now helping teachers get their most valu... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT
Learning Hub Level 2 landing space outside rooms LH227-230

10:50 GMT

Physics and tea with the IOP
Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT
We'd love to talk about physics education and how we can help you, your school or your MAT - and we've got treats. Join the IOP team to tell us what's going well and what you think we should be doing to support the profession.
Speakers
avatar for Eleanor Wylie

Eleanor Wylie

Professional Support Coach, Institute of Physics

IH

Ian Horsewell

Professional Community and Retention Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics
Sponsors
avatar for Institute of Physics (IOP)

Institute of Physics (IOP)

The Institute of Physics (IOP) is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, with an active role in promoting co-operation in physics around the world. We strive to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds.  

Come along and visit an

... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT
Learning Hub Level 3 landing space (outside 344-347)

11:15 GMT

(AQA): Practical Power: classroom practice and exam success in A-level chemistry
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
This CPD session supports chemistry teachers in strengthening the link between practical work and examination success in A-Level Chemistry. Although practical activities are a fundamental part of the subject, students often find it challenging to convert their experimental experience into precise, high-quality written answers.

This session examines how practical understanding, subject knowledge, and exam technique work together, enabling teachers to better connect classroom investigations with assessment performance. By focusing on the ways practical work is examined, teachers will be able to enhance the impact of practical teaching on student outcomes.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
> Identify how practical knowledge and skills are assessed within A-Level Chemistry examinations.
> Recognise common issues in the way students interpret and apply practical understanding in written responses.
> Apply strategies to more effectively link required practical work with exam preparation and student success.

The session will explore the relationship between practical work, CPAC requirements, and exam performance, using authentic A-Level Chemistry questions and mark schemes to highlight key expectations. Teachers will take part in activities to examine how practical skills and concepts are assessed, analyse student responses, and pinpoint where marks are achieved or missed. Through reflection, discussion, and practical strategies, participants will develop approaches to ensure that practical experiences are translated into accurate, confident, and successful examination performance.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Mooney

Lisa Mooney

Subject Support Manager - Science, AQA

avatar for Frank Lowor

Frank Lowor

Subject Support Manager - Science, AQA
Frank is a highly experienced educator and assessment specialist with over two decades of service in science education. He has held leadership roles including Head of Science and Head of Vocational Science, teaching GCSE and A-level sciences across multiple schools. Currently serving... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for AQA

AQA

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 →

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH321 (Learning Hub Level 3)
  11-19

11:15 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11:15 GMT

New to Science Leadership
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
Leading people is not the same as teaching students! Middle leaders are the engine room of schools and are worth investing in.

In this session, we will draw on the New to Science Leadership course (the most recent cohort led in autumn 2026 by ASE in partnership with Astin Consulting) to answer questions such as:

- what kind of training best prepares teachers for leading their peers?
- is leading the same as managing?
- how to prepare for a difficult conversation, how to run an effective departmental meeting, how to lead change?

Ideal for teachers new to leadership (or aspiring to), or those responsible for developing new leaders.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Astin

Christina Astin

Coach and Education Consultant, Physics Partners and Astin Consulting
http://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-astin
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

11:15 GMT

Panel: Thriving and surviving your first few years (for Early Career Teachers)
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
Come along and listen to the panel, chaired by Martin Reece - a mix of ECT's, mentors and teachers in the early stages of their careers.

They will share their professional insight into their successes and challenges so far. What have they learnt? What would they recommend? What would they do differently? Listen to their top tips on how to manage wellbeing alongside the daily demands of teaching and hear how they have steered their ongoing professional development.

Join us. Listen. Ask questions and come away feeling enlightened!
Speakers
avatar for Martin Reece

Martin Reece

Science Education Consultant

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
Leathersellers Hide (Learning Hub Level 4)

11:15 GMT

PISA 2025: Outcomes and implications for the Teaching and Learning of science
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
The primary focus of the PISA Assessment in 2025 was on the outcomes of school science education for 15-year-olds. The 2025 Assessment framework, which was the basis of testing in over 90 countries in 2025, introduced three new elements.
First, two of the original competencies in the 2015 framework were merged. This change enabled the introduction of a new third competency that measured students’ ability to “research, evaluate and use scientific information for decision making”.
Second, because of the importance of educating students about the environment, climate change a specific focus on environmental education was added. The framework for this was elaborated in the document Agency in the Anthropocene.  

This framework has three new competencies with a focus on education for sustainability and climate change. Finally, the concept of attitudes to science has been broadened to the notion of science identity which introduces the notion of capital. This talk will explain these changes, their rationale and illustrate ways in which they were measured with sample items. In addition, it will present the findings from the results published in September 2026, and discuss their implications.
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Osborne

Jonathan Osborne

Professor, Stanford University
My career started by teaching science in London comprehensives in 1972 for 9 years.  Curently I am the Kamalachari Professor in Science Education, Emeritus, in the Graduate School of Education, Stanford University in California but now back in the UK. I was President of the US National... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH124 (Learning Hub Level 1)

11:15 GMT

Promoting argument-driven explanation in Earth & Environmental Science
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
In this session attendees will be introduced to Model-Evidence-Link (MEL) instructional materials designed to assist American learners as they construct arguments to evaluate the plausibility of evidence connected to models and the research base that supports using these scaffolds. These MEL diagrams allow students to think critically about socio-scientific issues by evaluating connections between lines of evidence and alternative explanatory claims.  

Explorations that utilize the MEL scaffold promote changes in epistemic judgments, including claim plausibility, and help students move toward a more civically minded and scientific stance. Student discourse is a critical part of these activities and include negotiation toward scientific consensus.

MEL activities for available for teaching about socio-scientific issues include climate change, dead zones, energy, extreme weather, fracking, freshwater resources, fossils, moon formation, nuclear energy, origins of the universe, soil and food security and wetlands. All materials are freely available under a Creative Commons license. Participants receive access to all instructional materials and instructional guides, found here:

https://serc.carleton.edu/mel/index.html

Speakers
DG

Donna Governor

President, NSTA, America

avatar for Lorraine Ramirez-Villarin

Lorraine Ramirez-Villarin

Associate Professor, University of North Georgia, USA

Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH125 (Learning Hub Level 1)

11:15 GMT

Rising to the challenge: improving pedagogy & practice in physics education
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

This session will look at two specific EEF guidance reports in detail with a physics-specific lens: Improving Secondary Science and Effective Professional Development. We will draw on a wider evidence-base concerning the challenges of adult behaviour change and its influence on improving teacher practice. This session will consider individual and organisational impact and will be relevant to teachers and leaders of physics.

Background: The Ogden Trust has worked closely with Durrington Research School and The EEF on the Working Through Others programme, a new pillar of The EEF's impact work focused on developing and delivering evidence-informed practice. The results of this collaboration have informed The Ogden Trust's new strategy and programme development.
Speakers
avatar for Jackie Flaherty

Jackie Flaherty

Head of Teaching and Learning, The Ogden Trust

BC

Ben Crockett

Co-Director, Durrington Research school
Ben is an Assistant Director at Durrington Research School, and Assistant Headteacher at Durrington High having joined the school in 2013. Ben has previously been head of Geography.  As part of his wider school role, Ben in responsible for ensuring the quality and consistency of... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH127 (Learning Hub Level 1)

12:25 GMT

(Pearson) Science reform in action - what comes next for teachers and learners?
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
Science education is entering a pivotal period of change. This interactive, evidence-informed session will explore how reform can translate ambitious national intent into qualifications, assessment and classroom practice that work for teachers and learners. Drawing on Pearson’s engagement with teachers, science leaders, students and subject communities, the session will consider  what successful reform should achieve , what different stages of science reform could mean for subject leaders, teachers and students, and what schools will need to implement changes successfully.
Session aims
  • Make science reform tangible and relevant for classroom practitioners and leaders.
  • Surface practitioner priorities, risks and implementation need so that teacher and learner experience informs future qualification thinking.
  • Build confidence by identifying proportionate preparation schools can undertake while policy and qualification details continue to develop.
Delegate takeaways
  • A phased school-readiness checklist.
  • Practical actions departments can begin without overcommitting.
  • A sharper understanding of potential implications for learners, teachers and departmental delivery.
  • Questions and discussion prompts to use with departments, senior leaders and trust teams.
This session is followed by a catered lunch, sponsored by Pearson, for secondary educators and early career teachers or trainees. Please join us to continue the networking opportunity and further explore how Pearson can support you.
Speakers
avatar for Shauna O'Brien

Shauna O'Brien

Head of Science, Pearson

avatar for Tosin Oliyide

Tosin Oliyide

Senior Qualifications Manager - Science, Pearson

Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

12:25 GMT

Beyond keywords: Disciplinary literacy in Post-16 science curricula
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
This interactive session will explore how disciplinary literacy can be embedded into post-16 science curricula to support learners in moving beyond the memorisation of key terms towards reading, writing, reasoning and communicating like scientists.

The session draws on work developed at Milton Keynes College Group within a growing sixth form context, where disciplinary literacy has been used as a curriculum design principle across A Level and Applied Science provision. The approach was developed in response to a familiar post-16 challenge: learners may know isolated scientific vocabulary, but struggle to interpret exam questions, explain processes precisely, evaluate evidence, or communicate using the conventions of the discipline. Drawing on research-informed practice in disciplinary literacy, curriculum design, and assessment, the session will show how science teachers can make the hidden demands of scientific reading, writing, and thinking more explicit.

Participants will examine examples of how diagnostic questions can reveal gaps in conceptual understanding, command-word interpretation, and scientific reasoning. The session will also consider how independent study booklets and structured writing tasks can help learners practise the forms of explanation, evaluation and evidence use required in Biology, Chemistry and Forensic Science. There will also be a demonstration of tools which are used to identify specific AO gaps which relate to terminology/application of language and how we address it.

During the session, participants will be able to review sample resources, view the tools we use and given time to consider how similar approaches could be adapted for their own phase, subject or qualification context.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the specific literacy demands within post-16 science tasks;
2. Distinguish between teaching scientific vocabulary and developing disciplinary scientific thinking.
3. Use diagnostic questions to uncover barriers to scientific understanding.
4. Adapt examples of disciplinary literacy resources for Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science or related pathways.
5. Consider how disciplinary literacy can support curriculum planning for academic, applied and future technical science routes.

The session is intended for science teachers, curriculum leaders, post-16 practitioners and anyone interested in strengthening students’ access to complex scientific knowledge through practical, evidence-informed pedagogy.
Speakers
AR

Afsan Redwan

Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Milton Keynes College
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH231 (Learning Hub Level 2)

12:25 GMT

Bring climate change to life through chemistry and real-world contexts
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
How can chemistry lessons help learners make sense of climate change and sustainability?

In this session, we explore how sustainability contexts can bring chemical concepts to life and connect them to the global challenges of climate change.

We use examples from historical developments and current research to show how chemistry underpins a range of climate solutions. We will look at how chemists and scientists tackle these issues, helping learners see the relevance of their studies beyond the classroom.

We will explore ready-to-use resources and approaches, and reflect on how teachers could adapt these for their own settings. We will also draw on findings from the Green Shoots report to show how teachers can embed climate change and sustainability more consistently and meaningfully into chemistry teaching.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Laye

Rebecca Laye

Education coordinator, professional development & regional engagement, Royal Society of Chemistry

EL

Emma Lumb

Education coordinator, community engagement, education strategic programmes, Royal Society of Chemistry
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

12:25 GMT

Chemical grenades
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
Most teachers have been confronted in the classroom by a "chemical grenade" - a question from a pupil that may or may not have been intended to cause damage, but which was also both hard to answer and very interesting, often just touching the edges of the syllabus.  

By sharing some of the most interesting chemical grenades from my teaching, I hope to outline an approach to answering these questions in the pursuit of developing teachers' chemistry knowledge and ability to explain abstract concepts from physical an inorganic chemistry at GCSE and A-level in a "rigorous but hand waving" way that pupils might appreciate.  

Some grenades to be considered, most drawn from A-level pupils, include: "When an equilibrium responds to an increase in pressure, does the pressure ever return to its old value?", "If copper complexes are coloured because of d-d transitions, why don't they just re-emit the light they absorbed?", "How do chiral molecules rotate plan polarised light differently when they are randomly oriented?", "Why doesn't adding a solid to an equilibrium mixture change the position of equilibrium?"  

I hope to show that working out the answers to these questions, and then how to present the answer to pupils, can be tricky, but also leads to a better understanding of the chemistry being taught.
Speakers
avatar for Matthew Smith

Matthew Smith

Head of Chemistry, St Pauls School
Matthew has been teaching high school chemistry for 16 years and is in charge of a team of 13 chemists at St Paul's School. His department teaches about 750 pupils and has been building microscale and small scale chemistry into their curriculum for several years, and he and his team... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH127 (Learning Hub Level 1)

12:25 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

12:25 GMT

What do I need to do to be ready for physics curriculum 2028?
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
Join the team working with the Department for Education to develop the reformed Science Programmes of Study in England and GCSEs subject content as we outline the priorities and evidence underpinning the drafting process. This session focuses on Physics KS3 and KS4 plus transition from KS2 and KS1.

Please note the other sessions in the conference programme, on KS1 and KS2, and on biology and chemistry at KS3 and KS4.
Speakers
avatar for Marianne Cutler

Marianne Cutler

Director of Curriculum Innovation, Association for Science Education
avatar for Rachel Hartley

Rachel Hartley

Pedagogy and Professional Practice Strategic Lead, Institute of Physics
Sponsors
avatar for SEPA

SEPA

The Science Education Policy Alliance (SEPA) brings together the Association for Science Education, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry to coordinate and collaborate on science education policy, with Professor Dame Athene Donald... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 12:25 - 13:20 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)
  11-19

13:35 GMT

(OUP) Making Practical work meaningful in KS3 science
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
This session responds directly to current priorities in science education, including the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s emphasis on clarifying the purpose and expectations of high-quality practical work, and wider concerns about the effectiveness of practical science in supporting learning.

There is increasing focus on ensuring that practical work has a clear and explicit purpose, supports both knowledge building and disciplinary thinking, and is used selectively and effectively, rather than routinely.
This session builds on:
• Curriculum and Assessment Review (clarity of purpose in practical work)
• Gatsby Good Practical Science (purposeful and planned practicals)
• Research on substantive vs disciplinary knowledge and working scientifically

It is designed to help teachers move from 'doing practicals' to 'designing learning and progression through practicals'.

Outcomes - participants should be able to:
• Understand what makes practical work purposeful and meaningful
• Be able to identify and avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions in practical science
• Gain a clear framework for designing and evaluating practical activities
• Leave with adapted practical ideas ready to use at KS3
• Feel more confident in making intentional decisions about when and how to use practical work

Participants will leave better equipped to ensure that practical work supports deep understanding and scientific thinking, rather than simply engagement or completion of tasks.

Background and context: Practical work is a central feature of science teaching, yet evidence and inspection findings suggest that it is often:

•overly procedural
•weakly linked to conceptual understanding
•focused on task completion rather than reasoning
•does not adequately prepare students for practical work at GCSE
•does not address misconceptions
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clegg

Amanda Clegg

Science and Leadership Consultant, AKC Educational Consultancy
With over 30 years as a teacher and senior leader, I'm passionate about transforming science education through high-quality practical work, team leadership, bespoke cpd and coaching that makes a real difference.
I thrive on mentoring educators to reach their full potential—watch... Read More →
avatar for Karen Collins

Karen Collins

Educational Consultant, Apogee Education, Learning and Development
@kcoscience
Sponsors
avatar for Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press

As part of one of the world’s great universities, we’re driven by a love of learning and a deep conviction that education is a universal good.

For us, every child deserves to be taught by brilliantly professional teachers, working in close partnership with engaged parents, using the best and most inspiring learning resources, technology, and teaching methods. To that end, we work with the brightest, most creative educational... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH124 (Learning Hub Level 1)

13:35 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

13:35 GMT

Ideas exchange to catalyse and support school and research partnerships
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
In this session I am to  explore ‘what works’ in initiatives that support schools and universities/researchers to work together.  

Welcoming educators, senior leaders, and STEM professionals with experience funding or supporting research in schools to an exploratory workshop finding out what works to involve young people directly in research and innovation. Come along to learn more. Discussions will also inform the design of a new grant aimed at supporting educators to build the confidence and capacity to tap into existing programmes connecting schools and researchers or run their own research projects.

Outcomes: Participants will share and learn about best practice in integrating participating in research in teaching and learning approaches.

Participants will connect with others with an interest in supporting a culture of research and innovation in UK schools.

Participants will influence the design of a pilot grant being developed by the British Science Association.

There are a number of ways that schools can engage with researchers, including through schemes like IRIS, Orbyts and the Royal Society Partnership scheme. However visibility of, and access to these opportunities is not always consistent. With funding from UKRI, the British Science Association will be supporting UK schools in challenging circumstances to deepen their relationships with research and researchers; by taking part in existing schemes or running their own research projects.

The workshop is for educators, senior leaders, and STEM professionals with experience of funding, supporting, or brokering relationships with research and researchers, as well as educators interested in connecting their students with real research.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Matambanadzo

Susan Matambanadzo

Education Manager, British Science Association
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH321 (Learning Hub Level 3)

13:35 GMT

Mathematics support for serving science teachers - seeking a way forward
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
Building on our work investigating the mathematical skills of trainee science teachers, in this session we will explore the needs of serving teachers. The aim of the session is to inform our next steps to support trainees and serving science teachers with the maths skills required to teach GCSE sciences.

In this session we will:
(a) identify mathematical skills challenges
(b) revisit issues experienced by trainees
(c) identify the issues for serving teachers using:
(i) a survey of GCSE Examiners’ reports
(ii) an overview of existing CPD provision for serving teachers together with lessons from uptake and evaluation information.

Working closely with trainee teachers, we have begun to review existing resources that might help teachers to improve their maths skills.
In this session participants will be asked about:
(a) the resources teachers and teacher developers use to develop maths skills of serving teachers
(b) whether an online self-assessment tool would be helpful
(c) what additional CPD provision may help
(d) the possible role of online asynchronous support
(e) resources that might support science teachers to improve their maths skills pedagogy

Background: With over 60 years of Physics teaching experience between them as well as a background of supporting Science teachers with Physics, Ally Davies, Liz Nourshargh and Caroline Neuberg have been working together on the maths skills of trainee science teachers since 2021, initially as part of the IOP Physics Teacher Educator Programme. Since then, they have presented at conferences, published a paper, written maths support materials and delivered Maths CPD on behalf of a number of organisations. As they continue to work with trainee Science teachers and deliver maths CPD for a variety of organisations, they aim to ensure that the tools developed are suitable for and freely available to all Science teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Ally Davies

Ally Davies

Consultant, Ally Physics
At this conference I'll be speaking about recent work on maths skills of trainee science teachers and considering what support might be helpful for in service teachers of science.
In my semi-retirement, I'm also working to improve representation of minoritised groups/identities... Read More →
avatar for Caroline Neuberg

Caroline Neuberg

Senior Lecturer in Education / Consultant, Leeds Trinity University
Dr. Caroline Neuberg is a Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education at Leeds Trinity University (LTU). The second Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) completed by her science trainees focuses on signature pedagogies, dedicated to practical work. Many of the trainees, who have experienced... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 13:35 - 14:30 GMT
LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

13:45 GMT

(Pearson) ECT's & Secondary educators' lunch
Friday January 8, 2027 13:45 - 14:30 GMT
Pearson is delighted to offer a catered lunchtime networking opportunity to all Early Career Teachers and Trainees, as well as secondary teachers.

Come along and talk to us about what we can offer and how we can support you in your school.
Speakers
avatar for Shauna O'Brien

Shauna O'Brien

Head of Science, Pearson

avatar for Tosin Oliyide

Tosin Oliyide

Senior Qualifications Manager - Science, Pearson

PP

Poppy Pan

Lead Specialist - Science, Pearson

Sponsors
avatar for Pearson

Pearson

At Pearson, we create meaningful learning experiences for people of all ages. Our mission? To help students, educators, and businesses make progress toward their personal and professional goals. Explore learning for every stage of life with Pearson.

Talk to us on our stand about 

... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 13:45 - 14:30 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

14:45 GMT

Building fluency in organic mechanisms (White Rose Education)
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
This session explores how a mechanistic approach can improve the teaching of organic chemistry at post-16, helping students move beyond surface memorisation to genuine understanding. Drawing on evidence from examiners’ reports and common errors seen in student work, we will examine why students often struggle with mechanisms and how a more structured, language-rich approach can overcome these barriers.

Delegates will consider how to build student fluency in recognising key features of reactions before tackling mechanisms themselves. This includes confidently identifying homolytic versus heterolytic fission, and distinguishing between addition, substitution, and elimination through analysis of overall equations.
Participants will engage with a range of carefully designed, classroom-tested strategies to scaffold learning across the two years of the course. These include:

•Dual coding approaches to represent mechanisms visually and verbally
•Activities matching mechanistic steps to their chemical meaning
•Diagnostic tasks that require students to select or justify the next step in a mechanism
•Completion and sequencing exercises to reveal and address misconceptions

All resources are grounded in research-informed practice and refined through extensive classroom experience.
The session concludes with dedicated time for reflection and collaboration. Delegates will work in groups to adapt and design resources for their own teaching contexts, ensuring that ideas can be implemented immediately and effectively in the classroom.
Speakers
DF

David Fairclough

Secondary Science Specialist, White Rose Education
Sponsors
avatar for White Rose Education

White Rose Education

White Rose Education is proud to sponsor the Primary Programme of the ASE 2027 Annual Conference

Created by teachers, mathematicians and scientists, White Rose Education is dedicated to helping every teacher become a world-class teacher.

White Rose Science takes the highly successful approach we pioneered with White Rose Maths and transfers it to the primary science curriculum. It uses a “small steps” approach to science teaching, and closely follows the national curriculum for science for years 1 - 6. It gives

... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

14:45 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

14:45 GMT

Tale of two stems - growing and genotyping anthocyaninless brassicas (Part 1) (MiniOne Systems)
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS A MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 24 - on a first-come, first-served basis on the day (Sched is not used for pre-booking.)

Plants are one of the most versatile and accessible model systems in science education — bridging the gap between the macro world students can see and the molecular world that drives it. Anthocyanins, the powerful antioxidants behind the rich colours of grapes, blueberries, and purple cabbage, offer a stunning entry point into both cell biology and genetics — and they're hiding in plain sight.

This two-part session takes you on a journey from plant to pipette. Beginning with phenotype, you'll learn how to reliably germinate rapid cycling brassica seeds to cotyledons in as little as 72 hours — giving your students visible, measurable results within a single school week. From there, we'll connect what students can observe with their own eyes to the molecular evidence beneath the surface.

In this first session, we'll walk you through the full workflow: scoring plants based on their phenotypic purple pigmentation, performing a DNA extraction, and preparing samples for PCR of the anthocyanin/anthocyaninless genetic marker. By the end, you'll have the confidence and the practical know-how to bring authentic plant molecular biology into your classroom.

All delegates participating in Part 1, are welcome to join the Embitec team for tea/coffee and cakes during the break, before Part 2 commences.
Speakers
EF

Erika Fong

Director, MiniOne Systems
Molecular Biology Anywhere and for Everyone! The game changing MiniOne Electrophoresis System was first of its kind designed specifically for teachers and students to have equal access to key biotech techniques with engaging activities. Whether used in the classroom lab or at home... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

Browse our webpage at https://eu.theminione.com for links to:

> The MiniOne Electrophoresis System
> The New e-Pipette
> The MiniOne Incubator
> The Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab
> Pipetting and Gel Loading Practice Kits
> MiniOne MiniLabs - complete lab kits for ha




... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

14:45 GMT

Teaching climate change through biodiversity and ecosystems
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
Climate change education is becoming increasingly important within secondary science education. However, biodiversity, ecosystems, and climate change are often taught separately, limiting opportunities for students to develop connected understanding of environmental issues and sustainability challenges.

This session introduces an integrated curriculum framework developed to support the teaching of climate change through biodiversity and ecosystems in Malaysian secondary schools. The curriculum was developed as part of a PhD project using a design-based research approach informed by curriculum analysis, teacher perspectives, and iterative refinement.

The session aims to support secondary science teachers and curriculum developers in exploring practical approaches for integrating climate change concepts within existing science and geography topics. Participants will be introduced to the structure of the curriculum framework, including integrated learning objectives, inquiry-based learning approaches, differentiated learning strategies, and examples of classroom activities.

Examples from selected lesson plans and teaching materials will be shared to demonstrate how biodiversity and ecosystems can be connected meaningfully to climate change using local environmental contexts and real-world environmental issues. The session will also discuss practical considerations identified during teacher piloting and curriculum refinement, including curriculum alignment, classroom feasibility, and interdisciplinary integration.

Participants will have opportunities for brief reflection and discussion on how similar approaches could be adapted within their own educational contexts.

Participants will:

- identify practical approaches for integrating biodiversity and climate change concepts within secondary science education
- explore curriculum integration strategies and lesson design approaches
- reflect on teacher-informed approaches to climate change education
- consider how curriculum materials could be adapted for their own contexts
Speakers
avatar for Mardhiah Hanum Omar

Mardhiah Hanum Omar

PhD Researcher, University of Leeds
Friday January 8, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH125 (Learning Hub Level 1)

16:10 GMT

CLEAPSS hands-on workshop drop-in
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
A chance to gets hands-on, and try out some of the latest CLEAPSS practicals.  

Pop in, ask a question, chat with the CLEAPSS advisors!

For queries, please email [email protected]
Speakers
avatar for Matt Endean

Matt Endean

Deputy Director, CLEAPSS
Matt Endean is the Deputy Director of CLEAPSS, an advisory service supporting practical science and technology in schools in the UK. A former teacher, he specializes in health and safety, risk assessment, and laboratory design. Matt plays a pivotal role in developing guidance and... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for CLEAPSS

CLEAPSS

Founded in 1963, CLEAPSS supports safe, engaging, and innovative practical activities in science (as well as design & technology and art & design). We provide schools and college staff with expert advice, training, resources, and trusted guidance. Providing staff with access to CLEAPSS... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH017 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

16:10 GMT

ECTS, techs and teachers working together
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
Join the past Chair of the ASE's National Technician Committee and the past ASE Chair of the Association, for insights into school science technicians and teachers including trainees, NQTs and RQTs working together - how they collaborate to optimise best working practices!
Speakers
avatar for Jane Oldham RSciTech

Jane Oldham RSciTech

Lead Science Technician and Outgoing Chair of ASE, De Ferrers Academy and Association for Science Education
Currently immediate Past Chair of the ASE 25-26 and the Lead Science Technician at the de Ferrers Academy, a large multi-site academy in the Midlands.
Jane has been a Science Technician for 20 years, currently leading a team of 6 technicians, where she specialises in supporting KS4 and KS5 chemistry. She is passionate about continuing professional development opportunities for science technicians... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH347 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

16:10 GMT

Frontier Science: What we learn(ed) from rainbows
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
Unexpectedly, many concepts and practices central to our physics today, that students and educators could find interesting, originated in the study of rainbows.
Speakers
MB

Michael Berry

Emeritus Professor of Physics, University of Bristol

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

16:10 GMT

Integrated instructions and microscale practical work
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
Effective practical work can be challenging for students for many reasons, not least the overload on their working memory. Students’ understanding of the chemical concepts underlying a practical observation or measurement relies on them cognitively attending to a wide range of matters: their theoretical understanding of the world, new and recalled skills and knowledge, instruction in written and verbal form, the materials and equipment, and the social environment of the classroom.

This session will discuss two key aspects of improving students’ experience and engagement with practical work. Microscale practical tasks make use of smaller quantities of chemicals, simpler equipment and techniques, and a more rapid progression from start to observations and measurements. Integrated instructions use simplified guidance incorporated into diagrammatic representations of equipment and method. Participants will see how these approaches have been embedded throughout the chemistry curriculum, including the selection of suitable tasks, typical student responses and outcomes, and the process of securing staff buy-in. Links will be drawn between examination syllabuses and the conceptual understanding developed through these practicals.

Outcomes: Participants will be able to identify opportunities for microscale practical work, adapt instructions to reduce extraneous demand, and plan steps for implementation in their own departments.
Speakers
avatar for Bob Worley

Bob Worley

Part Time Advisor, CLEAPSS
Bob Worley FRSC MSc was the 2021 winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry Prize for Excellence in Secondary Education. He taught for 20 years and afterwards became the Senior Advisor at CLEAPSS dealing with school chemistry laboratory safety, from which he pioneered microscale chemistry... Read More →
avatar for David Paterson

David Paterson

Assistant Head Teacher, Aldenham School

Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)

16:10 GMT

Preparing for participation: Lesson prep and high participation strategies
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
During the session, we will:

* Explain what we mean by lesson preparation, and some key strategies that secure high participation in lessons (including Call and Response, Turn and Talk, mini-whiteboards)
* Share our experiences embedding these in our own practice, and in establishing these across departments and schools
* Facilitate discussion on how these practices might be applied in attendee's contexts


As a result of the session:
* Teachers will have a new approach to lessons - preparation rather than planning
* Teachers will have a good understanding of some high participation strategies that they can use in the classroom
* Leaders and teacher developers will have advice and ideas for implementing these in their contexts

Background: Historically, the quality of teaching and learning (and in turn student outcomes) in science lagged behind other subjects in our MAT and the national picture for science. This led to a period of reflection and learning, drawing on works from the 'CogSciSci' network of authors and bloggers, the 'In Action' series of books and 'Teach Like A Champion'. One output of this was what we called a Framework for Good Science Teaching, which put checking for understanding as one of the 4 central pillars, and in particular the use of high participation strategies to ensure all students cognitively participate in the lessons. Beyond this, the whole purpose of the framework was to move colleagues away from 'lesson planning' - typically endless resource creation - to 'lesson preparation', where staff intellectually engage with the resources available to consider how to best use them with their students. We will talk about our experiences across the Trust, and within one specific school where this has had significant impact on students' understanding of science. We intend to support further learning on these strategies through online webinars and writings in ASE publications, for attendees to continue their professional development.
Speakers
DB

Deb Barnett

Director of Science, Co-op Academies Trust

LD

Laura Dufty

Head of Science, Co-op Academies Trust
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

16:10 GMT

Tale of two stems - growing and genotyping anthocyaninless brassicas (Part 2) (MiniOne Systems)
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION HAS A MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF 24 - on a first-come, first-served basis on the day (Sched is not used for pre-booking.)

Plants are an ideal model system to teach macro and molecular levels of biology. Anthrocyanins are powerful antioxidants found in many of our favourite produce, including grapes, blueberries and purple cabbage.

In this second session, the molecular evidence comes to life. Taking the PCR products prepared in Part 1, you'll load and run your samples on the MiniOne Electrophoresis System — visualising the DNA banding patterns that reveal the genotype of each plant. Within minutes, the gel tells the story: which plants carry two functional copies of the anthocyanin gene, which carry one, and which carry none.

With results in hand, the real scientific thinking begins. Students will compare their molecular data directly against the phenotypes they scored in Part 1 — connecting the visible purple or green pigmentation of each plant to the genetic evidence on the gel. It's a genuine eureka moment: the bridge between what students can see and what the DNA reveals.

This session brings Mendelian genetics off the page and into the lab in the most tangible way possible. Dominant and recessive alleles are no longer abstract concepts — they are visible bands on a gel, matched to living plants sitting right in front of your students.
Speakers
EF

Erika Fong

Director, MiniOne Systems
Molecular Biology Anywhere and for Everyone! The game changing MiniOne Electrophoresis System was first of its kind designed specifically for teachers and students to have equal access to key biotech techniques with engaging activities. Whether used in the classroom lab or at home... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

MiniOne Systems (Embitec)

Browse our webpage at https://eu.theminione.com for links to:

> The MiniOne Electrophoresis System
> The New e-Pipette
> The MiniOne Incubator
> The Let it Glow Bacterial Transformation MiniLab
> Pipetting and Gel Loading Practice Kits
> MiniOne MiniLabs - complete lab kits for ha




... Read More →
Friday January 8, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
CH314 (Creative Hub Level 3)

17:10 GMT

Meet the ASE 11-19 Committee
Friday January 8, 2027 17:10 - 17:30 GMT
If you are a secondary teacher or science education consultant, come along to the "Meet the 11 to 19 Committee" session at the end of Friday of Annual Conference 2027.

Got a question? Ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes? Ever thought about getting involved in Committee activities? Are you wanting to know more about Professional Registration or writing an article for one of the ASE journals?

We look forward to listening to your questions and will endeavour to answer them!
Speakers
RM

Rebecca McCready

Chair of ASE 11 to 19 Committee, Duke's Secondary school, SE Northumberland

Friday January 8, 2027 17:10 - 17:30 GMT
LH323 (Learning Hub Level 3)
 

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