What really works in primary science?
This year, the theme of the annual primary science conference is ‘What really works?’. Teachers of primary science need to utilise a wide range of teaching approaches in their classrooms to successfully deliver the curriculum. However, with such a wide range of pedagogy available, it is difficult to know which approaches are most effective and which are most appropriate for their setting.
The annual primary science conference provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in research-driven, tried and tested approaches.
Lynne Bianchi, our keynote speaker, will examine what really works through a purple lens! On the back of the publication of ‘Being Focused: Monitoring The 10 Key Issues’, Lynne will guide participants to consider how monitoring can further enhance school science improvement. She will provide participants with a robust and pragmatic process to frame whole school monitoring while reflecting on the 10 key issues in children’s learning in primary science.
Thinking, Doing, Talking Science is an ethos for primary science which, thanks to research supported by the Primary Science Teaching Trust and the Education Endowment Foundation, has significant evidence to show that it really works in terms of improving children’s attainment and engagement. It is an inclusive approach which combines creativity with rigour and has, at its heart, the goal of providing all children with more opportunities for deeper thinking, through facilitated discussion and purposeful practical work to build science skills and understanding.
Bridget Holligan, from Science Oxford, will lead us in this interactive keynote session. She will provide an overview of the work so far and information on how teachers can access Thinking, Doing, Talking Science CPD and resources to support them.
As well as these inspiring keynote sessions, the conference will also offer optional engaging and thought-provoking workshops. These are just a taster of the sessions on offer.
Nicky Waller will be asking 'What is BEST for primary science?' She will explore research-informed teaching resources for science topics that span primary and secondary science and improve transition. The hands-on workshop will look at diagnostic and response materials from new 'bitesize' online CPD units that are being developed by UYSEG, CIEC and ASE, drawing on the research-informed approaches of Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST), and funded by Wellcome.
The Education Endowment Foundation join us ahead of their publication of the Primary Science Guidance Report which will offer valuable advice on primary science teaching based on the latest research. Their session will delve into this important resource and invite contributions on essential sections to refine the messaging before the report’s release.
Tracy Tyrrell will be focusing on primary science skills and how to teach them. Long ago there was a very successful ASE project called AKSIS. It gave teachers quick, easy activities to boost children’s scientific skills. It worked. Under the expert guidance of one of the original authors, Anne Goldsworthy, and the Outreach Director at the Primary Science Teaching Trust, Ali Eley, Tracy has been working on updating the original AKSIS Project books. In this session, Tracy will show you ways to get your KS2 children to carry out their scientific enquiries with more confidence and independence.
Join us at the National STEM Learning Centre in York on Monday 5th June, for all of this and more.
