ASE 2027 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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

08:45 GMT

What do I need to do to be ready for biology curriculum 2028?

Thursday January 7, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT

LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

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.

Speakers

Marianne Cutler

Director of Curriculum Innovation, Association for Science Education

Lauren McLeod

Head of Education Policy, Royal Society of Biology

Lauren joined the Royal Society of Biology as Head of Education Policy in July 2017. Previously she has worked on gender projects, including Opening Doors, and higher education projects as part of the education team at the Institute of Physics, and as a science teacher in North L... Read More →

Sponsors

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 →

Thursday January 7, 2027 08:45 - 09:40 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

11-19

Theme Curriculum Change in England, Leadership
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16
Social media handle(s) @theASE

11:15 GMT

Challenges of the primary to secondary maths transition.....parallels for science?

Thursday January 7, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT

LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

This session explores research by Axion Maths on the transition from primary to secondary school which can make or break a pupil's attitudes towards maths and school, and EEF research on whether setting is better than mixed ability classes, and prompts discussion questions on whether there are parallels for secondary science.

This session is supported by a Department for Education funded initiative, led by Mathematics in Education and Industry (MEI), in partnership with ASE as part of the Advanced Maths Support Programme (AMSP).

Speakers

Marianne Cutler

Director of Curriculum Innovation, Association for Science Education

David Thomas OBE

CEO, AxioM Maths

Jeremy Hodgen

Professor of Mathematics Education, University of Nottingham

Professor of Mathematics Education
Emeritus Professor of Mathematics Education, UCL
Visiting Professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Associate Director: Policy and Impact
Observatory for Mathematical Education

Jen Shearman

Chief Learning Officer, MEI

Thursday January 7, 2027 11:15 - 12:10 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

11-19

Theme Curriculum (General)
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16
Social media handle(s) @theASE

14:45 GMT

Presidential Address: We need to talk about equity: Dilemmas, threats and possibilities for science education

Thursday January 7, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT

LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

2026 saw issues of equity, diversity and inclusion thrust violently into the academic and educational spotlight. EDI has been the subject of intense, polarised and painful debate across national and international media, with events that have shaken the academic world to devastating effect.
This presidential address explores the motive of what it means to talk/ speak about equity within science education. It engages with a range of discursive challenges relating to equity issues, spanning resistance to equity through the accusation that “you can’t say anything these days”, to the practical dilemmas that STEM educators may encounter, such as not knowing ‘what you can or can’t say’, through to issues of ‘voice’ and injustice and whose voices are valued, recognised or marginalised and excluded within STEM learning spaces.
The presentation concludes with some possibilities for supporting greater equity, justice and inclusion in and through science education and how educators might speak more justly and productively about equity issues.

Speakers

Professor Louise Archer OBE

ASE President / Karl Mannheim Chair of Sociology of Education, UCL Institute of Education

I am currently the Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education at UCL IOE (2017-) and co-chair of the Sociology Activity Group (with Jessica Ringrose). Previously I was Professor of Sociology of Education at King's College London, where I was also the Director of the Centre... Read More →

Thursday January 7, 2027 14:45 - 15:40 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Inclusion and Diversity including SEND
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 11-14, 14-16, 5-7, 7-11, Advisors/Consultants, Early Career Teachers, FE/Skills, Initial Teacher Educators, International, Post-16, Researchers, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainee Teachers
Social media handle(s) @theASE

15:40 GMT

Chair Chat

Thursday January 7, 2027 15:40 - 16:10 GMT

Learning Hub Level 2 landing space outside rooms LH227-230

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!

Speakers

David Allen

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 →

Claire Seeley (MA CSciTeach)

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 →

Natasha Serret

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 →

Emily Perry

Professor of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University

Thursday January 7, 2027 15:40 - 16:10 GMT
Learning Hub Level 2 landing space outside rooms LH227-230

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Assessment, Curriculum (General), Curriculum Change in England, Inclusion and Diversity including SEND, Leadership, Practical work including beyond the classroom, Recruitment Retention and Wellbeing, Research, Subject knowledge & pedagogy, Sustainability climate c
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 11-14, 14-16, 5-7, 7-11, Advisors/Consultants, Early Career Teachers, FE/Skills, Initial Teacher Educators, International, Post-16, Researchers, Teacher Developers, Technicians, Trainee Teachers
Social media handle(s) @theASE

15:40 GMT

Meet the ASE Teacher Developers Committee

Thursday January 7, 2027 15:40 - 16:10 GMT

LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

ASE Teacher Developers' supports those whose roles include:

> The design, coordination and facilitation of professional development , mentoring and coaching, whether in school, schools groups or external
> Subject and departmental leadership

If this is you, come along to the "Meet the ASE Teacher Developers Committee" during Thursday afternoon tea break of Annual Conference 2027. We'll share upcoming activities led by the committee and talk about the ways you can get involved. We are keen to hear your views about how the ASE Teacher Developers group can support you and your colleagues.

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

Speakers

Katy Bloom

Associate Professor ITE & Science Lead, York St John University

Thursday January 7, 2027 15:40 - 16:10 GMT
LH322 (Learning Hub Level 3)

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Leadership, Curriculum (General), Subject knowledge & pedagogy
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, 5-7, 7-11, Early Career Teachers, FE/Skills, Advisors/Consultants, Initial Teacher Educators, Post-16, Teacher Developers, Trainee Teachers
Social media handle(s) @theASE

16:10 GMT

Departmental improvement journeys in practical science

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT

LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

The recent curriculum review recognised the importance of good quality purposeful practical science. In this workshop we will share the journeys of some of the schools on our Keeping Science Practical project - hear from the schools how they consistently improved practical provision in their own schools (and the impacts of these changes).

Speakers

Rob Butler

Registrar, Association for Science Education

I'm a Chartered Science teacher, the registrar and Project Officer for the ASE (running the Keeping Science Practical project).
I'm a senior professional development leader for the Science Learning Partnership network and I help the Science Council promote their professional registers. I'm an ex-special school senior leader, an ex-science teacher and an OUP author. I jointly run the ASE's Inclusive Science Educati... Read More →

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:05 GMT
LH324 (Learning Hub Level 3 lab-type space)

11-19

Theme Practical work including beyond the classroom, Leadership
Key Stage / Audience Type Teacher Developers, Technicians, 11-14, 14-16, Advisors/Consultants
Social media handle(s) @theASE

16:10 GMT

PANEL: Subject Leaders - Leading through challenge and change

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:25 GMT

Creative Hub Atrium Level 1

This panel discussion is for all Secondary Science Leaders; experienced, new to and aspiring. Come along and hear from colleagues working at the chalk face who will share their insights into some of the key challenges facing schools and leaders. There will be plenty of opportunity for you to share and discuss the many challenges of leading in Science.

As well as discussing your own successes and challenges, topics are also likely to include:

> Recruitment and retention
> developing your team - planning and leading CPD
> Supporting non-specialists and non-scientists
> Leading curriculum change
> The road ahead for science leadership

Speakers

Martin Reece

Science Education Consultant

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:25 GMT
Creative Hub Atrium Level 1

11-19

Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16
Social media handle(s) @theASE

16:10 GMT

Primary Speed Science

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:25 GMT

LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

Get up close with some of the most experienced voices in primary science in this fast-paced, high-energy session. In Primary Speed Science, you’ll rotate between tables, spending a focused eight minutes with each expert - just enough time to ask questions, explore ideas, and gain practical insights you can take straight back to your setting.

Whether you’re grappling with curriculum design, enquiry, assessment, or subject leadership, this is your chance to have real conversations with people who’ve been there and done it. No long talks, just sharp thinking, honest answers, and meaningful connections.

Speakers

Angharad Pass

Primary Science Specialist Education Consultant

The Padlet for the Teachmeet is here: https://padlet.com/saraheamesscienceleader/ase-conf-saturday-10th-january-2026-primary-science-teach-me-ruozfsim8u6eq9lz

Thursday January 7, 2027 16:10 - 17:25 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

Primary

Theme Other
Key Stage / Audience Type 0-4, 5-7, 7-11
Social media handle(s) @theASE

09:55 GMT

Keynote: Raising the bar - ambition, curiosity and depth in science

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT

LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

What does an ambitious science education look like from primary through to secondary? This session will explore how we can keep expectations high for all pupils, prioritise depth before pace, and use rich texts, images, examples and questions to provoke curiosity and build secure knowledge.

Mary Myatt will consider what happens when we move beyond coverage and activity and give pupils the intellectual substance and time they need to think, make connections and encounter the power of the discipline. The session will also explore how assessment can support, rather than distort, this ambition.

Speakers

Mary Myatt

Educational writer, speaker, blogger, consultant, Myatt & Co

I'm Mary Myatt an education adviser, writer and speaker working with schools, trusts and organisations across the UK. My work focuses on curriculum, teaching and learning, leadership and, increasingly, how we make Key Stage 3 more ambitious and intellectually generous for every pupil... Read More →

Friday January 8, 2027 09:55 - 10:50 GMT
LH013 & LH014 (Learning Hub Ground Floor)

Suitable for All key stages

Theme Subject knowledge & pedagogy
Key Stage / Audience Type 11-14, 14-16, Post-16, Early Career Teachers, 5-7, 7-11, Advisors/Consultants, FE/Skills, Initial Teacher Educators, International, Researchers, Teacher Developers, Trainee Teachers
Social media handle(s) @theASE

10:50 GMT

Chair Chat

Friday January 8, 2027 10:50 - 11:15 GMT

Leathersellers Hide (Learning Hub Level 4)

Speakers

David Allen

Associate Professor Learning and Teaching / Outgoing Chair of the ASE 25/26, University of Hertfordshire & Creative Primary Science Education Consultancy

Claire Seeley (MA CSciTeach)

Primary Science Education Consultant / Co-Chair of the ASE

Emily Perry

Professor of Education, Manchester Metropolitan University