ASE 2027 Annual Conference

Participants will be invited to explore an emerging solution: online, on-demand professional development for teachers. Drawing on experience of working with schools and delivering primary science CPD across a range of settings and contexts, we will examine how on-demand PD can support improvements in teacher confidence and subject knowledge, critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of digital professional development. Participants will be invited to reflect on the limitations that are experienced within their own settings.

The session will position on-demand CPD not as a replacement for all professional learning, but as a pragmatic, forward-thinking response to current system challenges; offering a way to broaden participation and improve consistency in primary science teaching, while encouraging participants to discuss how these approaches align with their own contexts.

Session format:
•Explore and briefly discuss key findings from the State of Primary Science 2025 report related to CPD access and teacher development
•Discuss on-demand CPD in primary science, examining design principles that promote engagement, retention and classroom impact
•Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of online approaches, including issues of motivation, accountability and depth of learning
•Share and reflect on examples of how on-demand CPD might support improvements in subject knowledge, pedagogy and confidence

Intended outcomes:
•Interpret key CPD-related findings from State of Primary Science 2025
•Evaluate how on-demand CPD can support teacher confidence and subject knowledge
•Critically assess strengths and limitations of digital professional development
•Identify practical approaches for implementing or advocating scalable CPD solutions.

Our dedicated Chair Trio invite you to drop-in to the “Chair-Chat” sessions on one of the days of Annual Conference 2027. The Chair is a vital role to the ASE, and the elected Chair provides an authoritative voice for the thousands of members that the ASE supports, along with those working within the wider science education community. Those elected remain part of our Chair Trio for 3 years.

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 in one of the ASE journals? First time attending our flagship Conference?

If this is your first ASE Conference, then please come along and say Hello.

We look forward to hearing your questions and will endeavour to answer them or point you in a selection of possible right directions!

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!

Come along to ASE's Friday Curry and quiz night Social from 19:00 (ticket entry only,  available  on Eventbrite) for a great evening of fun with good food and company. There will be a pay as you go bar too (open until 22:00), with a lovely relaxed atmosphere for everyone to meet up with colleagues, talk about the day and plan for Saturday at Annual Conference 2027. Book early as numbers are limited. The ASE Quizmasters, Alex Sinclair, is sure to provide great entertainment for the evening!

If you are coming to the conference on your own, don't be put off! We have a friendly community ready to welcome you to the evening and ensure you're in great company. You'll be greeted at the door by one of our hosts, and if you're flying solo, we can introduce you to others and help you join a quiz team, so you can connect and enjoy the event together.