ASE 2027 Annual Conference

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 Biology at KS3 and KS4 plus transition from KS2 and KS1.

Please note the other sessions in the conference programme, on KS1 and KS2, and on chemistry and physics at KS3 and KS4.

This session will unpack the biggest trends shaping science teaching right now, including how teachers are reacting to the changes to the national curriculum, and what it all means for anyone just starting out in the profession.

Teacher Tapp surveys over 10,000 teachers every day, giving us a unique, real-time picture of what's changing in science classrooms, from practical work and curriculum shifts to workload and AI adoption.

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges that humankind has ever faced and providing high quality climate change and sustainability education is imperative. The session will explore the interdisciplinary nature of climate change within the primary curriculum. It will consider how learning might be best sequenced and connected to instil in pupils an understanding of the science, geographical impacts, possible mitigations and adaptations of climate change.

The government’s response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review clearly positions climate change and sustainability education within the remit of science and geography. Through a range of practical activities the session will demonstrate how to plan and implement a coherent approach to the teaching and learning of climate change.
Delegates will be prompted to discuss the specific elements that are to be taught within and across the two subjects as well as the possible connections with other foundation subjects such as citizenship and DT. Ofsted outline the importance that learning does not occur in silos and this is particularly pertinent for global issues such as climate change where pupils need to gain an in-depth understanding of the processes that underpin anthropogenic climate change as well as the wide range of impacts. The session will explore how to ensure that climate change education is relevant, hopeful and accessible in part be focusing in on small scale local impacts as well as the large scale global affects of climate change.

There will be the chance to discuss how geographical thinking can be used to interpret scientific data and imagine a range of possible futures, empowering pupils to be part of the solution as informed and active global citizens.

Outcomes:
> Understanding of how to effectively embed climate change content across the primary curriculum
> Make connections between the causes and effects of climate change

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!

The aim of this session is to report on early findings from a current research study that takes forward recommendations from the PCAG report (Primary Science Teaching Advisory Group, 2023). The study extends the work into testing the Framework within primary schools, in particular junior classes (7-11 year olds). The overarching purpose has been to explore the shifts in teachers’ planning and practice required to interpret and implement a curriculum aligned to the Framework.

Findings draw on professional reflections from primary science subject leaders and align to evidence from the State of the Nations in Primary Science Learning Report (ImpactEd, 2025). What has emerged stimulates and informs policy makers, practitioners and senior leaders to question and consider the levers and challenges in designing a curriculum for the future. The session informs on how teachers perceive, interpret and apply policy recommendations into day-to-day classroom settings. This falls at a time where England awaits the outcomes of the Curriculum & Assessment Review (DfE, 2024) and when other nations in the UK are reviewing the purpose and nature of primary science education.

Expected outcomes of the session will be that participants are increasingly aware of the real world experiences and challenges that influence primary science classroom practice. This will especially focus on the different ways in which schools manage curriculum implementation across different settings. They will have:

* a greater awareness of the real world experiences and challenges that influence primary science classroom practice.
* reflected on the differences in science learning emerging across different school settings.
* considered their readiness to offer primary science teachers support and guidance ahead of or when new curricula guidance is published.

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!

Join the team working with the Department for Education to develop the reformed Science Programmes of Study in England as we outline the priorities and evidence underpinning the drafting process. This session focuses on KS1 and KS2, including preparation for KS3.

Please note the other sessions in the conference programme, on KS1 and KS2, and on biology, chemistry and physics at KS3 and KS4.

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.

This panel brings together CPD, curriculum and science leaders to share how they are approaching the challenge of preparing themselves and their colleagues for the new Programme of Study. Hear how schools are identifying professional learning needs, developing subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise, and planning CPD to build staff confidence and capacity ahead of implementation.

The panel will provide an opportunity to hear directly from those working at the chalkface about the approaches they are taking, the challenges they are encountering and the priorities they have identified as they prepare for curriculum reform.

The discussion will consider the importance of sustained professional learning and how schools can make the most of the time available before September 2028, rather than treating curriculum change as a one-off and finite task.
Whether you are a science leader, curriculum leader, teacher developer or involved in planning professional learning, join us to hear practical experiences and ideas that can inform your own approach to preparing for the new curriculum.

Join us for a thought provoking and hands-on session where we’ll provide stimulus to consider your curriculum enrichment provision, barriers and solutions to equity of opportunity for all
We’ll share reflective tools, identify local and national enrichment opportunities and resources to make the connection between core curriculum content and nurturing curiosity of your learners.
This session is built on exploration beyond the core curriculum but with scientific rigour intact.

Outcomes: 
• Reflect on your own context and enrichment offer
• Made connections between core curriculum and enrichment opportunities for all
• Considered ways to build on your current enrichment activities in school
• Take away ideas and resources for use immediately including a gap analysis tool and a curriculum map

Background: Our experience of listening and working with teachers tells us that curriculum pressures continue to be relentless and time for teaching science in the core curriculum is already under pressure in many primary classrooms. We know teachers plan and deliver great core lessons, they inspire their learners to be curious about the world around them but do they ever really get the chance to nurture that curiosity?

Research tells us that enrichment opportunities are vital for providing space for learners to explore their interests in a less structured environment.

With so many years of experience running clubs, My Science Club was founded on the basis of creating a space for children’s curiosity to be fostered and grow whilst supporting the educator at the same time. This remains our passion and with a new curriculum in England and Scotland on the horizon, we have a moment to consider what we currently have whilst building for the future. In that moment sit our children in schools right now – they can’t wait for us to tread water getting to grips with new curricula, they need equity of opportunity right now before they leave primary or lose that curiosity and interest.

Our experience and knowledge as nationally accredited trainers of the Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach (PSCTA) has fuelled our passion for equity of access to enrichment activities and not just for the privileged few.

Join us to unpick the headline changes and what is already working in your setting.

This masterclass is aimed at primary subject and cross phase leaders, curriculum developers in schools MATS and trusts.

You are encouraged to bring your current primary science long-term plan to reflect on what will be needed to be ready to teach this new curriculum in September 2028
Leave feeling confident and with a plan of action for the next 12 months

As a result of attending this session, you will be able to:

• Create a personal timeline of planned actions for readiness to teach the new primary science curriculum in 2028
• Identify changes needed to your long-term planning and resources
• Consider subject knowledge and CPD implications for science leaders and teachers of science at your school

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!

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 Chemistry 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 physics at KS3 and KS4.

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 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, chemistry and physics at KS3 and KS4.