9 March 2023
ASP staff have been involved in delivering science CPD to local science teachers during two recent events. The first was the Oxfordshire Science Learning Partnership’s Secondary Science Conference held at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the second was the termly meeting of the Abingdon Partnership for Schools (APfS) Science Group held in the Yang Science Centre.
At the secondary science conference ASP was represented by a stall at the science marketplace giving local teachers an opportunity to find out about the resources and programmes ASP can offer them. ASP Lead, Jeremy Thomas, also gave a formal presentation on Astronomy for All, following the conference theme of encouraging diversity in science and explaining ideas for delivering space related topics within the science curriculum as well as in the separate GCSE in Astronomy.
The theme of this term’s APfS meeting was practical science at the transition between Year 6 and Year 7. This was attended by primary school science coordinators and Year 6 teachers and supported by Adam Easton, Head of Science at Fitzharrys School. The primary teachers enjoyed carrying out ASP’s Lab Skills workshop, designed to increase confidence in Year 6 pupils about to encounter secondary school science labs for the first time. Carrying out the practical work themselves encouraged the primary teachers to discuss ways in which they can help to prepare their pupils for the transition, especially through correct use of scientific vocabulary and by practising safe procedures and use of standard equipment such as thermometers and simple glassware. As usual, participation in these CPD events led to just as much learning as teaching, proving the mutual value of partnership working.
