• Understand how children’s thinking scientifically can be assessed meaningfully in outdoor primary science • Explore a research informed Thinking Scientifically Assessment Matrix that supports progression across primary phases • Engage with examples of how the matrix has been co designed and trialled with experienced teachers in real classrooms • Consider how assessment can strengthen, rather than constrain, outdoor science learning • Reflect on how a shared assessment framework can support trainee teachers, Early Career Teachers and whole school professional learning
Outdoor science offers rich opportunities for curiosity, talk, investigation, and sense making; yet many teachers report uncertainty about how to assess thinking in these spaces. In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to a Thinking Scientifically Assessment Matrix designed to support assessment for learning in outdoor primary science. They will explore how the matrix makes children’s scientific thinking visible, supports progression over time, and aligns with everyday classroom practice rather than adding to the teacher's workload. Drawing on real examples from classrooms, the session will share how teachers have trialled the matrix outdoors, what has been learned through co-design, and how assessment has been embedded into practical, exploratory learning. Participants will be invited to engage with sample learning scenarios, consider where evidence of thinking might be captured, and reflect on how a shared framework could support consistency across year groups or within professional learning communities. The session will be relevant for classroom teachers, subject leaders, mentors, and those supporting teacher development.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: • Identify key features of progression in children’s scientific thinking across the primary age range, in outdoor contexts. • Use an assessment matrix to recognise and interpret evidence of thinking in outdoor science lessons • Adapt assessment approaches to support exploratory, enquiry rich learning • Apply shared assessment language to support planning, reflection, and professional dialogue within and across schools • Support trainee teachers and Early Career Teachers in developing confidence with assessment of primary science, particularly in outdoor and enquiry based contexts • Integrate a research informed assessment framework within ITE programmes to strengthen coherence between university based theory and school based practice • Consider next steps for embedding the assessment of thinking scientifically within their own settings
This session draws on EdD research, which focused on the creation and application of a Thinking Scientifically Assessment Matrix designed to articulate progression in children’s scientific thinking. The research explored how early career teachers used the matrix to support planning, teaching, and assessment in primary science, particularly in outdoor learning contexts, where assessment is often perceived as challenging or impractical. Building on this work, I am currently collaborating with experienced primary teachers through a structured programme of professional learning and classroom trialling. Together, we are refining the matrix through lesson observations, peer discussion, and shared analysis of children’s learning. This knowledge exchange approach values teacher expertise alongside research informed pedagogy, with the long term aim of making outdoor science learning assessable, sustainable, and impactful beyond the Early Years.
This CPD session explores how science teachers can effectively plan for and support strong progression in practical work from KS3 through to KS5. Moving beyond isolated experiments, the session focuses on how practical skills develop over time, building from curiosity and engagement in KS3 to confidence, independence, and precision at A-Level. Teachers will consider how to sequence practical experiences, reinforce key skills, and ensure students are well-prepared for the increasing demands of assessed practical work. The session emphasises the importance of coherence and continuity in developing scientifically skilled and confident learners.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to: > Identify the key components of effective practical progression from KS3 to KS5. > Recognise gaps and inconsistencies in students’ practical skills development. > Apply strategies to support a coherent and purposeful approach to practical work across the curriculum.
The session will explore what effective practical progression looks like across the secondary phase, using examples to highlight how skills can be built and revisited over time. Teachers will engage in activities to map practical skills, analyse current practice, and identify opportunities to strengthen progression. Through discussion and practical approaches, participants will develop strategies to ensure students move from early curiosity to confident, capable practical scientists by the end of KS5.
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 →
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 →
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 →
This talk and discussion is a tribute to Professor Paul Black, whose pioneering work in classroom assessment practices for around 40 years transformed the way that assessment is used to help children learn.
While most teachers are aware of Assessment for Learning, many do not know its origins and the reasons why and how formative assessment has become more valued and recognised in promoting learning. This talk goes back to the seminal paper and the studies that Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam considered in their review of formative assessment that they published in 1998. It will look at studies done by the King's team from 1999- 2026 by considering vignettes of classroom practice and snippets of classroom interactions, so that you can understand some of the reasons project teachers began to change their classroom assessment practices. It will then challenge the audience to think about the classroom assessment they do,or they support others in doing, and explore how assessment has shaped and focused their teaching and impacted on the ways that children learn.
Paul Black passed away peacefully on May 16th 2026, leaving a profound legacy in science education and assessment; his impact has been phenomenal and continues to influence teachers of all phases and at all stages of their career.
Professor of Science Education, King’s College London
Researcher keen to work at classroom level. Teacher educator. Research interest: Assessment and especially Assessment for Learning. Inquiry in science/experimental science. Professional Learning and practice-based evidence. Big, big ASE enthusiast!!
This session will explore: • Teachers and students’ perceptions on the effectiveness of student-led questioning and feedback in engaging students in science. • Share a more effective model of classroom discourse and how it has enhanced teaching and learning in the science classroom. • Provide participants opportunities to share ideas and knowledge on pedagogical approaches to authentic assessments and opportunities for collaboration.
To address the underlying concerns regarding students’ learning in science, a more responsive teaching approach and assessments are relevant. This must be student-led to promote self-regulation, feedback, identify areas of weaknesses and support peers in the process (Chen & Chang, 2022). This can be facilitated through a constructivist learning environment where students can collaboratively share knowledge and ideas whilst making meaning from different concepts (EEF, 2024), with added benefits of reducing cognitive load.
This presentation will: • Share how we trained students to use taxonomy of learning to create questions for their peers through modelling and locating these question types within their epistemological framework for learning (Elby & Hammer, 2010). • Discuss how the OSLA (2012) model was used to assess and grade students’ presentations and implications on learning. • Highlight teachers’ roles as facilitators of learning and reviewers of epistemological resources and framing (Elby & Hammer, 2010). • Discuss how problem-based learning (PBL) was used to develop problems and scenarios used in the study, and how this promoted pedagogy and students’ learning.
By attending the session, participants can learn from the approach to this study as discussed above and would be able to contribute other areas not mentioned, share knowledge and network with others for future research collaboration.
Background information: Working with various secondary schools and teachers has enabled me to provide different types of support ranging from research to pedagogy and linking theory to practice. This presentation is inspired by research conducted in a secondary school with science teachers and their students. At the time, the school was concerned about students’ lack of interests in science and poor outcomes from GCSEs. This became an opportunity for me to conduct research and find possible means to improve teaching and learning at the school. I was familiar with the school due to insider knowledge in the science department and from working with the science teachers. The school was in one of London’s deprived Boroughs where achievements is below the national average and fewer students move on to post-16 let alone studying science subjects at A’ levels and BTEC.
How can children’s misconceptions be identified and addressed to secure scientific understanding?
This session explores how formative assessment approaches can be used not just to identify misconceptions, but to inform responsive teaching and curriculum planning. Drawing on their own extensive experience in the classroom and from working with hundreds of teachers in primary schools, the presenters will share practical strategies, diagnostic tools and planning approaches that help teachers discover and tackle common misunderstandings in science. Participants will leave with materials for adapting sequences of learning, examples of pupil thinking and tested classroom-ready resources that make a difference to developing more accurate scientific thinking.
This session is aimed at classroom teachers and science leaders, and aims to:
• Share evidence from research, including issues common misconceptions that children hold. • Discuss evidence-informed resources and practical strategies that teachers can use to understand and address common misconceptions that children hold in science. Examples will be used from schools that have trialled these materials and approaches and reflected on their effectiveness • Give participants opportunity to try out and discuss some of the resources to identify their own misconceptions • Encourage participants to reflect on which strategies might be most useful to address the needs of the children in their schools, and begin to plan how to audit, implement and review actions to adapt teaching and planning.
Primary Science Education Consultant, Dr Jo Science Solutions
RSC Excellence in Primary Education Prize 2024. With both a teaching and science background, Dr. Jo Montgomery has more than 20 years’ experience working with children and schools to support science education from Early Years to university. Passionate about encouraging curiosity... Read More →
PSQM Development Lead, Primary Science Quality Mark
PSQM Professional Learning Partner. Primary Science Teaching Trust Fellow. Member of the PSQM Expert Advisory Group. Member of the ASE Teacher Developers’ Committee. Accredited trainer of the Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach. Co-author of the PSTT resources See Through Sci... Read More →
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!
Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Outgoing Chair of the ASE 25/26, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy
I worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a classteacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher. I taught across Key stages 1, 2 and 3 in UK and in Spain. During this time I developed a passion for science, art and design, improvised drama, assessment for learning, creativity... Read More →
Primary Science Education Consultant / Co-Chair of the ASE
Claire Seeley has been a teacher for over thirty years in a wide variety of contexts including both inner city and rural schools England. Claire is also a Primary Science Consultant, providing both continuing professional development and initial teacher training. She has a passion... Read More →
Associate Professor of Science Education, Nottingham Trent University
I started my professional career as a classroom teacher and science lead in a London primary school. I was and remain passionate about classroom learning that promotes a scientific mindset alongside the development of an understanding of key scientific concepts. This professional... Read More →
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.
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 →
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!
Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Outgoing Chair of the ASE 25/26, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy
I worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a classteacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher. I taught across Key stages 1, 2 and 3 in UK and in Spain. During this time I developed a passion for science, art and design, improvised drama, assessment for learning, creativity... Read More →
Primary Science Education Consultant / Co-Chair of the ASE
Claire Seeley has been a teacher for over thirty years in a wide variety of contexts including both inner city and rural schools England. Claire is also a Primary Science Consultant, providing both continuing professional development and initial teacher training. She has a passion... Read More →
Associate Professor of Science Education, Nottingham Trent University
I started my professional career as a classroom teacher and science lead in a London primary school. I was and remain passionate about classroom learning that promotes a scientific mindset alongside the development of an understanding of key scientific concepts. This professional... Read More →
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.
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 →
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 →
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.
The session will follow our own involvement in understanding accessibility and improvements in accessibility in formal assessments for Cambridge OCR.
During 2026 Mike Jackson was on a panel for SecEd to speak about accessibility which builds on conversations within the organisation as well as learning from teachers who have fed back from both summative assessments and practical endorsement adaptations (e.g. for blind students).
Andri Achilleos was a teacher for ten years before joining OCR in January 2019 as the subject advisor for A Level Biology. She studied Biology at University of Bristol and completed an MA in Science Education at University of York. She has taught in Birmingham as Teacher in charge... Read More →
Subject Advisor for Physics (and science at GCSE) for Cambridge OCR. I'm passionate about inclusion, access to education (including first generation to Higher Education) and sustainability and environment. Life long motorsport fan and Trekkie who loves being in the great outdoors... Read More →
We are a leading not-for-profit UK Exam Board. As part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a department of the University of Cambridge, we have access to unrivalled expertise and research capacity across assessment and examinations.
We provide qualifications which engage people of all ages and abilities at school, college, in work or through part-time learning programmes. Our general and vocational qualifications equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for their future, helping them achieve their... Read More →
The project has taken a design research approach to explore how to facilitate and support statistically appropriate use of secondary data from International Large-Scale Assessments (ILSAs) by a range of stakeholders. The breadth of the publicly available PISA datasets affords opportunities for school leaders, researchers and policy makers to examine variables beyond attainment data, providing information on a range of contextual factors that have the potential to be invaluable when seeking a deeper understanding of students’ experiences in schools. So, the aim of this project is to improve access to, understanding of, and engagement with PISA data among educational stakeholders through the co-development of an accessible, interactive online dashboard that can support evidence-informed discussion and decision-making.
The need for this platform has arisen as the OCED makes PISA data available, but expertise in both coding and statistics are needed to format the data so valid statistical analysis can be undertaken. For example, decisions regarding what and when comparisons are appropriate need to be made.
In the session, the tension involved in balancing the complexity and the interpretability of complex data when developing a range of visualisations will be explored. I will then discuss key priorities identified by a range of stakeholders and show how these affected the development of the dashboard. Workshop attendees will then have the opportunity to use the dashboard (including the PISA 2025 science specific data which will have been released by then), and to explore its potential benefits.
Crucially, biology and psychology feed each other. Cortisol impairs working memory, which worsens worry, which keeps the amygdala firing, which sustains the stress response. The loop runs until something interrupts it, which is why both physiological strategies (controlled breathing) and cognitive ones (reappraising arousal as challenge, not threat) work.
By the end, participants will: > understand the biological and psychological mechanisms driving exam anxiety > recognise the difference between knowing material and being able to show it under pressure > have practical strategies to help students break the anxiety loop from both directions
Background and context: Exam anxiety is common, and for many students it actively undermines performance - the familiar experience of a capable student who "goes blank" despite knowing the material. This isn't simply nerves. When the brain appraises an exam as a threat, the amygdala triggers two stress responses: a fast one (adrenaline, via the sympathetic nervous system) and a slower one (cortisol, via the HPA axis). Cortisol directly impairs the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus - the very structures handling working memory and retrieval. This is the biological mechanism behind the blank mind.
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 →
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!
Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Outgoing Chair of the ASE 25/26, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy
I worked in primary schools for over twenty years as a classteacher, senior leader and Deputy Headteacher. I taught across Key stages 1, 2 and 3 in UK and in Spain. During this time I developed a passion for science, art and design, improvised drama, assessment for learning, creativity... Read More →
Primary Science Education Consultant / Co-Chair of the ASE
Claire Seeley has been a teacher for over thirty years in a wide variety of contexts including both inner city and rural schools England. Claire is also a Primary Science Consultant, providing both continuing professional development and initial teacher training. She has a passion... Read More →
Associate Professor of Science Education, Nottingham Trent University
I started my professional career as a classroom teacher and science lead in a London primary school. I was and remain passionate about classroom learning that promotes a scientific mindset alongside the development of an understanding of key scientific concepts. This professional... Read More →
This session explores why evidence-based approaches are essential for creating high-quality primary science lessons that are effective and meaningful for all learners.
It introduces research-informed approaches such as Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) for primary-aged children, demonstrating how evidence can be translated into practical strategies to diagnose misconceptions, sequence learning and use formative assessment to build secure scientific understanding.
The session also introduces BEST Bites, new CPD modules designed to support teachers in developing learners’ understanding of key scientific ideas and easing transition from primary to secondary science.
This session draws on decades of research on formative assessment (including Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam’s work) focused on uncovering and using students’ ideas as the foundation for instruction. The approach has evolved through classroom practice that combines research on conceptual understanding, disciplinary literacy, and productive science discussion. Story probes were developed combine the engagement of narrative with the instructional power of formative assessment.
Stories naturally engage learners, spark curiosity, and invite discussion. In this interactive session, participants will explore how story probes can be used to connect science learning, literacy practices, and formative assessment. Through carefully crafted story scenarios, students encounter characters expressing different ideas about a scientific phenomenon or concept. These scenarios encourage learners to analyse characters’ perspectives, and share their own ideas in a low-risk and engaging context.
Participants will experience how story probes can be used to uncover children’s thinking about science while supporting close reading strategies by interpreting meaning from text. Attention will be given to how teachers can listen for children's ideas, use those ideas to inform instruction, and create classrooms where thinking, questioning, and sensemaking are valued. Participants will leave with practical strategies for developing and integrating story probes into science instruction in ways that strengthen both conceptual understanding and literacy skills. They will also be provided with a link to access and download sample story probes.
These story probes are based on extensive formative assessment research and practice from both the UK and the US. Page Keeley’s probes in the Uncovering Student Ideas series published in the U.S. are used extensively in schools throughout the U.S.; and, in collaboration with Ed Walsh, have been adapted by Millgate for a UK audience.
As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to: 1) Facilitate close reading and productive science talk around science scenarios. 2) Use a story scenario to identify and interpret students’ ideas revealed through story-based discussions 3) Apply formative assessment strategies that use student thinking to inform instruction. 4) Adapt or create story scenarios that integrate science content with literacy practices
Past President/NSTA Press Author, National Science Teaching Association
Page Keeley is an American science education consultant and author of over 25 books linking research to practice, including several award-winning books in the Uncovering Student Ideas in Science formative assessment series. She is a co-author, with Ed Walsh, of the UK publication, Understanding Children's Ideas in Science. She works with school districts, universities, and organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally to build capacity for understanding student thinking through assessment... Read More →
An author and CPD presenter, I was a teacher for 20 years, 12 of them as team leader. I then worked as a consultant, supporting teachers and science teams, training teachers and developing curriculum materials. I am now a Series Editor for Collins, CPD Trainer for AQA and Development... Read More →
