Secondary Science Conference - University of Worcester RC227 / B13

Explore the key issues affecting secondary science, through a series of presentations and workshops. Network, share and develop ideas and discuss best practice with other secondary science teachers and heads of department.

Workshops will be provided by Steve Hacker, David Shakespeare, Data Harvest and the STEM Enrichment Hub based at Coventry University.

Optional workshops as follows:

Steve Hacker - Maximising learning in practical science using integrated instruction:

In this hands-on session we will look at the difficulties of returning to practical work in a post-pandemic classroom, consider issues around cognitive load, explore ways to support better practical science and embed learning more effectively. 

Steve Hacker - What's happening in primary science?

In this session we will explore some of the approaches and schemes of learning being used in your region to support science teaching in the primary classroom. This will be of particular interest to colleagues with an interest in KS2-3 transition.

David Shakespeare - Making sure students “get better” at science 

Exploring the way that Ofsted’s most recent approaches and research about science provision can be used to develop a stronger science curriculum (as well as get through an inspection!) 

David Shakespeare - Professionally developing others in your science team

Subject leadership involves persuading colleagues – during meetings and training sessions, and informally – ­to try new things, but some staff can be less open to this than others! Ideas that can be used to build trust and engage colleagues in these settings. 

David Shakespeare - Applying knowledge and understanding in science

Exploring ideas on how to develop the application of knowledge and skills in new science contexts - for GCSE AO2 and other reasons. 

Data Harvest - Five minute activities

This totally hands-on BOD session will give you the opportunity to try out a number of experiments including, Cooling effect of Evaporation, Thermal imaging, Cola and Alka Seltzer (pH), Heart-rate, Breathing, Transpiration: Water loss from plants. Reaction times, Hit the brakes, Timing cars (light-gates), Acceleration due to gravity, Magnet through a coil, Walk this Way and Speed of Sound, using our latest bluetooth sensors connected straight to your device (please download the EasySense2 app to your phone/tablet/pc etc before the session, it’s free - if Android, please allow it to know where you are). 

Bethanie Downing, STEM Enrichment Hub, Coventry University - Enhancing employability skills and careers knowledge through STEM Clubs

STEM Clubs have incredible potential to combine a number of subjects within a single theme offering opportunities to conduct scientific investigations, experiments and engage in practical hands-on activities. This workshop explores how club leaders can bring added benefit to club sessions by enhancing essential employability skills, raising awareness of careers and helping to support the school’s careers agenda. Helping to increase club leaders’ knowledge and equip them with valuable skills that can translate into the classroom. 

Speaker Biographies

Steve Hacker

Formerly head of science and assistant head teacher in a large and highly successful technology college in the South West of England, Steve is currently an independent science education consultant and the STEM Lead for the Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire Science Learning Partnership.

He has a passion for practical science education and Steve trains and supports aspiring and practising teachers so as to improve the quality of teaching and learning through professional development. He is a Royal Society of Chemistry and STEM Learning approved trainer and author of chemistry training materials and has worked for both organisations running training in the UK and Internationally.

Since September 2011 Steve has been presenting and leading professional training and has been the senior tutor on the Subject Knowledge Enhancement course for chemistry formerly based at At Bristol. During that time he also led the DfE Triple Science support programme in the South West and the Midlands. Steve’s work is consistently highly evaluated.

In addition, he works closely with middle and senior leaders in schools to develop strategies to raise achievement and improve engagement of young people and their teachers in science and to encourage them embrace science, technology, engineering and maths as a hook for learning.

David Shakespeare

An experienced teacher and adviser, and a STEM Learning Senior Facilitator, David Shakespeare works with learners, teachers, schools, the STEM Learning network, examination boards and Government education agencies. He provides support on science and school leadership at all levels, teaching and learning in the classroom, and implementing new curricula and assessment approaches.