Inspiring Primary Science is a programme of networking meetings and workshops, with the aim of building the capacity of science subject leaders to lead effectively, instigate change and improve outcomes for children and to develop the science subject knowledge of teachers.
Subject leader meetings will spotlight issues of particular concern, provide updates regarding latest news about primary science, as well as preparing SLs to facilitate later linked in-school CPD. During the first network meeting the implications of the Ofsted ‘research review of the factors that influence the quality of science education’ and the SEERIH ’10 Key Issues with children’s learning in Primary Science’ report will be explored, and how concerns raised by this information might impact on teacher practice will be considered.
The programme will also prepare subject leaders to facilitate at virtual twilight subject knowledge development workshops for teachers in their schools, which follow each SL network meeting.
Virtual twilight Teacher/TA/SL meetings will provide teachers (and others) with a selection of practical ideas and activities relevant to a range of science topics – combining working scientifically (disciplinary knowledge) and content (substantive knowledge). With a focus on the direct teaching of key concepts, skills and enquiry methods, appropriate to age and stage and in response to gaps identified by schools post-Covid, these sessions should provide those attending with a chance to reflect on teaching and learning in science and suggest potential changes to practice where needed.
Science subject leader network meetings
All held virtually 3:45-5:15pm
Providing subject leaders with the skills needed to drive science forward in their
schools as well as the opportunity to network with other science leaders, reflect on their leadership of science and become empowered (whether or not an Ofsted ‘Deep Dive’ is around the corner or not! Network meetings will consider quality in primary science using Ofsted ‘research review of the factors that influence the quality of science education’ and from SEERIH ’10 Key Issues with children’s learning in Primary Science’ report as a lens through which to consider schools’ science curriculum.
The programme will (of course) include the very latest news, regular updates, top tips and practical solutions regarding; science enquiry, assessment process and practice, Science Capital and much, much more. They will also prepare subject leaders to facilitate at virtual twilight subject knowledge development workshops for teachers in their schools, which follow each SL network meeting (scheduled for the following half term).
- Spring term 2022 – 27th January
- Summer term 2022 – 09th May
- Autumn term 2022 – Date TBC
- Spring term 2023 – Date TBC
Teacher/TA/subject leader – science subject knowledge twilight workshops
All held virtually 3.45 – 5.15
NEW FORMAT
Support for teachers and others will take the form of regular virtual workshops designed to improve the conceptual knowledge, understanding and skills of all staff (teachers, teaching assistants and subject leaders) and enable highly productive practical science in the classroom.
Each twilight will focus on an aspect of primary science, using examples drawn from all Key Stages. The importance of integrating ‘substantive’ and ‘disciplinary’ knowledge will be emphasised and ways to achieve this suggested. Each meeting will have a distinct subject knowledge focus, highlighting both misconceptions that might occur and how the concepts addressed should be built on across the school. Key resources will be signposted that might be used by teachers beyond the session itself and for further support. Subject Leaders will work in-house with colleagues throughout, identifying good practice as well as any need for further support or whole-staff development beyond the workshop itself.
- Spring term 2022 –30th March: Working Scientifically
- Summer term 2022 –9th June: Biology
Autumn term 2022 – Date TBC: Chemistry
Dates:
Inspiring Science Subject Leader Session 1
27th January 2022
Inspiring Science Subject Leader and Teacher Session 1 – Working Scientifically
30th March 2022
Inspiring Science Subject Leader Session 2
09th May 2022
Inspiring Science Subject Leader and Teacher Session 2 – Biology
09th June 2022
Location: All sessions will be held virtually 3:45/5:15pm
Duration: 1.5 hours
Delivered by: Nicola Beverley, science education consultant
Costs: £75 to non-members/Associated Partners 1 unit per session
Not yet an Associated Partner? Find out how you could benefit.
If your booking is made within a week of the programme commencing, you are not guaranteed a place. If you have been successful, our team will contact you directly.
Programme leader – Nicola Beverley CSci Teach
Nicola is an experienced school improvement professional, with extensive specialist knowledge of primary teaching and learning built up over 20 years in and around primary schools. She is a nationally renowned primary science specialist and was a science advisory teacher for many years.
Nicola has worked as a science consultant nationally, in the development of science assessment practice. She worked with QCDA to create and pilot the ‘Assessing Pupils’ Progress in Primary Science’ resource and shaped its roll out across the country. She was also part of the expert group responsible for developing science assessment materials for the Standards and Testing Agency (part of the DfE). Over the past six years she has been a Curriculum Advisor for KS2 science assessment for STA.
Nicola now works directly with a variety of training providers (including STEM Learning),
teaching school networks, schools, teachers and children across the country to develop science, curriculum and assessment practice. She is a Primary Science Quality Mark Senior Hub Leader and a Senior Facilitator for STEM Learning.
