Professional learning events

Opportunities to explore and share good practice

PSTT offers professional learning opportunities for all educators, ranging from webinars to international conferences.

We encourage all class teachers, science subject leaders, student teachers and anyone with an interest in primary science education to join our events. Below you’ll find upcoming events and be able to catch up on past events. Be sure to stay informed with upcoming events by joining our mailing list.

If you have any questions about events shown below or would like to share ideas for future events, please get in touch here.

Upcoming: Wednesday 5 June, 4:00-4:45pm

Using moderation to establish priorities in primary science

In this 45-minute webinar, we will consider how effective moderation can help science leaders identify strengths and areas for improvement in their subject. PSTT’s Regional Mentor, Kate Redhead, will explore how moderation can ensure an accuracy and consistency in science, as well as considering the options available for making best use of this tool.

This session will explore:

Why moderation can have impact for science leaders.
What the options are.
Where to start.

two primary children undertaking a science investigation with their teacher in the classroom

Upcoming: Thursday 13 June, 4:00-5:00pm

Primary science health & safety essentials with CLEAPSS

Join us to learn from CLEAPSS safety experts about assessing risks and resources that will help support safe learning throughout your school.

CLEAPSS provide health and safety advice to schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Register for our free webinar to find out:

How to use the CLEAPSS’ website and the kinds of resources you can expect from your employer.
Why assessing risks with CLEAPSS help is simpler and more useful than you might think.
How CLEAPSS resources help teachers plan activities that support learning.

New video available

Using the Equity Compass

Ensure your school is moving towards an equitable approach. Developed by the Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach team, the Equity Compass is a tool that can be used to help you think critically about social justice and equity. The compass highlights 8 key dimensions of equitable work and the questions help you evaluate your practices in relation to all the dimensions to ensure you are engaging with and supporting underserved communities.

Presenters for this session: Accredited Science Capital trainers Ruth Shallcross and Jo Moore

Download accompanying slides

three primary children playing with soil and plants outside school grounds

New video available

Did you know? Introduce climate and science research to children

Find out more about a resource that brings cutting-edge research and practical investigations to your science teaching. Presenters will share examples of Did you know? articles which explain cutting-edge research in language that primary children (aged 7-12) can understand and suggest questions for children to consider.

upper primary child looking at plants outside through a plastic device

New video available

Sketchbook Science: Connecting Science and Art

Explore PSTT’s latest resource for strategies on linking science and art in your classroom or whole school. Sketchbook Science contains eight projects which connect science and art, enhancing conceptual understanding and skills in both subjects.

After this session you will:

• Understand a range of strategies to link science and art

• Have reflected on how the Sketchbook Science activities might be used in your own setting

Presenting this session: Alex Farrer, teacher at Wimbledon High School and PSTT Fellow

a person making a heart shape with their hands and it creating a shadow with the lighting - an image cover of PSTT's Sketchbook Science resource is to the right

Past events: 4 videos available

Develop Children's Identity with Science

Discover how a social justice approach to science teaching can support ALL children to build an identity with science.

In PSTT’s four-part webinar series, experts from Explorify, the Institute of Physics and NUSTEM share research and materials to help enrich your science lessons. Learn how to reduce stereotypes commonly heard in the classroom while encouraging young learners to have a personal connection to science.

Click through to watch all videos and download the accompanying slides for each.

Video 1

Take a Social Justice Approach to Your Science Teaching

Are you interested in learning new ways to engage and help more young people relate to science?

This first video gives educators guidance to ensure all learners have a personal connection to their science lessons. Discover quality resources and expert suggestions on ways to apply them through a science capital lens.

Presenters for this session: Accredited Science Capital trainers Ruth Shallcross (PSTT) and Jo Moore (Explorify)

Download accompanying slides

Video 2

Physics is for Everyone: Explore IOP’s Limit Less Campaign

Support young people to change the world! The IOP recognises the importance of all children having the opportunity and agency to be part of solutions for our future.

Offering guidance and ideas for practitioners, this webinar delves into the more practical side and shows how teachers can put these ideas into action throughout their school.

Presenters for this video: IOP’s Beth Bramley and Carole Kenrick

Download accompanying slides

Video 3

Use Your Classroom to Promote Diversity in Science

Does your school promote diverse role models? This third webinar examines the meaning of diversity, common misconceptions and offers suggestions on how your school can encourage and celebrate diversity in science.

Learn about high quality resources that are easy to add to your curriculum while enriching your science lessons.

Leading this webinar: Kulvinder Johal (PSTT) with contributions from Dr Pearl Agyakwa (Nottingham University)

Download accompanying slides

Video 4

Tackle Stereotypes & Raise Awareness of STEM Careers

Are you interested in learning how NUSTEM have used their research to improve children’s connection to science and STEM careers?

Watch the last webinar in the series to learn more about children’s perceptions of scientists and strategies for developing positive connections with people working in STEM careers based on shared characteristics.

Discover tools linked to the National Curriculum to help promote a wide range of STEM careers.

Presenters for this event: NUSTEM’s Annie Padwick and Joe Shimwell

Download accompanying slides

PSTT international Primary Science Education Conferences

In 2016 and 2019, PSTT was proud to host the International Primary Science Education Conference. Taking place in Belfast and Glasgow, these major events united primary science educators from across the UK and internationally. The programmes included keynotes, practical workshops, reflective seminars, interactive talks and a wealth of suggestions for hands-on and exciting science activities. In 2019, PSEC included a special conference for children too.

In 2019, 99% of delegates agreed that the conference met or exceeded their expectations.