Learning primary science outdoors, supported by HFL

Episode Date: Thursday 26th March 2026 Science is one of the most critical subject areas in post-16 education, feeding directly into healthcare, engineering, laboratory sciences and dozens of other STEM careers. But as large applied qualifications are phased out, many colleges are asking the same question: what does strong Level 3 science provision actually look like from here? In Episode Three of Defunded, Not Derailed, we turn from the broader curriculum picture to a specific subject area that affects thousands of learners every year. What qualification options are currently available to colleges? How can science departments maintain clear progression routes into university and technical careers? And what might the introduction of V Levels, starting with digital, education and finance from 2027, signal for science-related curriculum planning down the line? Gavin O'Meara is joined by Amy Brewer, Science Subject Advisor at Cambridge OCR, Catherine Walls, Curriculum Manager for Science at Derby College, and Matt Ridgill, Vice Principal: Academic Education at Derby College, to explore how science specialists are navigating reform on the ground and what curriculum leaders should be considering now. Defunded Not Derailed was produced by FE News in partnership with Cambridge OCR.

Are your pupils smarter than a Stone Age engineer? Helen Mulley investigates in this episode of Teachwire Talks, alongside Jennifer Wexler from English Heritage  and maths communicator Thomas K Briggs. Together, they unpack how Stonehenge was constructed and precisely aligned to the solstices, revealing extraordinary ancient engineering and maths. They also chat about how these prehistoric problems can spark powerful STEM learning in today’s classrooms. Find out how you can bring prehistory to life with a school visit to Stonehenge . About the guests Jennifer Wexler  is the historian of prehistoric sites at English Heritage, and former project curator on the Grave Goods Project and World of Stonehenge Exhibition at the British Museum. Her research interests include archaeological and mortuary landscapes, digital heritage, forgotten histories, and the public presentation of archaeology. Thomas K Briggs  is a learning and education consultant for museums, galleries, libraries and archives, in the heritage sector and beyond. He is the author of  The Mathematician’s Library , about the books that unlocked the power of number, and has also set up the  History and Mathematics in Education Network  (HaMiEN) to encourage and facilitate connections between people interested in history and maths.

Join us at the Natural History Museum for an in-person CPD session for primary teachers, taking a deep dive into the KS2 rocks topic. Join us for an in-person CPD session for primary teachers, taking a deep dive into the KS2 rocks, fossils and soils topics. In this CPD session for primary teachers, geologists from the British Geological Survey will guide you through all you need to know to teach rocks, fossils and soils to your KS2 classes. Join the British Geological Survey at the Natural History Museum to gain some hands-on experience with rock and fossil samples. In this CPD session we will discuss what is covered by the KS2 curriculum and demonstrate some fun and engaging rock-themed activities you can use in the classroom. You will be able to take a look at some real rock and fossil samples from our core store. Whether you are experienced teaching this topic or new to it there is something for you to take back to the classroom. Lunch as well as tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided. Pre-booking is required and places are limited so book early! Can't make this session? Register your interest here for future dates.

Join us at the British Geological Survey for an in-person CPD session for primary teachers, taking a deep dive into the KS2 geography topic. In this free CPD session for primary teachers, geologists from the British Geological Survey will guide you through all you need to know to teach plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes to your KS2 classes. Visit the British Geological Survey’s campus in Nottinghamshire to gain some hands-on experience with volcanic samples. In this CPD session we will discuss what is covered by the KS2 curriculum and demonstrate some fun and engaging volcano and earthquake activities you can use in the classroom. You will be able to take a look at some real rock samples from our core store. Lunch as well as tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided. Pre-booking is required and places are limited so book early! Can't make this session? Register your interest here for future dates.

We are delighted to be returning to Sussex in Autumn 2026 for our fourth TeenTech Sussex Festival, and we are delighted to partner with the West Sussex, Brighton and Hove Careers Hub, a part of the Careers & Enterprise Company’s (CEC) national network of Careers Hubs, London Gatwick and Arup, to deliver this experience. This event will bring together students across the region for an exciting interactive programme helping young people understand the range of opportunities across digital, science and technology and the many different entry points. A virtual innovation session will precede the in-person event at the Brighton Racecourse to enable schools to involve as many Year 8/Year 9 students as they wish. We have a limited number of places available for this special day, and early booking is recommended. Open only to schools in Sussex.

The TeenTech DMU Festival is returning for its second year and will bring together schools and colleges across Leicestershire for an exciting, interactive programme that will help young people understand the range of opportunities in digital, science, and technology, as well as the many different entry points. The TeenTech Festival, held at De Montfort University, is a sharply focused event that changes perceptions and helps students understand their own potential. It’s a day that changes minds – especially those who may never have previously considered a career in science or technology! We have a limited number of places available for this special day, and early booking is recommended. Open to students in Years 9-11 from schools in Leicestershire.

The ASE's Annual Conference is returning to the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus for 2027 - 7th to 9th January inclusive. Unbeatable expertise in science teaching and learning professional development..... The UK's largest event focussing on science education professional teaching and learning, the ASE Annual Conference, takes place at the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th January inclusive Choose from over 200 sessions from the best science education speakers and practitioners - all in one place. Focus on your school’s specific priorities, develop your own subject knowledge and learn from other teachers and science education experts. Enjoy fantastic networking opportunities to gain exciting new ideas, approaches and resources that you can share with your whole team. Explore an unmissable exhibition of more than 50 science education organisations, full of activities, equipment and resources with exclusive competitions and giveaways. This is an amazing opportunity to engage in cost-effective, subject-specific professional learning and is perfect for all primary science educators, secondary and further education teachers, technicians, trainees and multi-academy trust science teams. How much does it cost to attend? One day registration starts from only £112 for ASE teacher-members and even less for trainees-members and technician-members. Trainee membership is free, technician membership is £30. Our most affordable Early Bird tickets will be on sale until 23:45 on Sunday 1st November 2026. Please note that registration will stay open for the duration of the conference. The registration desks will remain open throughout all 3 days as an information point too. Where can I find our more information about the Conference? The most up-to-date information can be found by exploring the Conference Webpage, within which you will find the link to the live digital timetable Sched - why not create your own personal agenda to suit your own professional development needs in Sched?

We are thrilled to announce that TeenTech MTI will return in 2027. We are delighted to partner again with MIRA Technology Institute (MTI) to deliver this experience. TeenTech MTI is now in its seventh year, bringing together students from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire for an exciting and interactive programme that helps young people understand the range of opportunities across digital, science and technology and the many different entry points. This year’s theme is Smart Futures: Tech That Moves Us. Join us at the MIRA Technology Institute for a hands-on TeenTech Festival where Year 8 and 9 students explore the exciting world of innovative technology, robotics, and sustainable transport. From AI-powered cars to wearable health tech, students will tackle real-world challenges, meet industry experts, and discover how their ideas can shape the future. The in-person event on the MTI site will be preceded by a virtual innovation session to enable schools to involve as many Year 8/Year 9 students as they wish. Schools are invited to bring a mixed-ability group of students for a sharply focused half-day event at The MIRA Technology Institute, where they will take part in exciting challenges and hands-on activities and network with employers who will give feedback on their project ideas. Schools can bring a mixed-ability group of 10 students to this day. It’s a day that changes minds – especially those who may never have previously considered a career in science or technology!

The TeenTech Liverpool Festival launches in 2027, bringing together schools across Liverpool for an exciting, interactive programme that will help young people understand the range of opportunities in digital, science, and technology, as well as the many different entry points. The TeenTech Festival, held at Liverpool John Moores University, is a sharply focused event that changes perceptions and helps students understand their own potential. It’s a day that changes minds – especially those who may never have previously considered a career in science or technology! We have a limited number of places available for this special day, and early booking is recommended. Open to state schools in the Liverpool City Region.

The TeenTech Roehampton Festival will bring together schools and colleges across the region for an exciting interactive programme that will help young people understand the range of opportunities across digital, science and technology and the many different entry points. The TeenTech Festival, held at the University of Roehampton, is a sharply focussed event that changes perceptions and helps students understand their own potential. Both age groups will have the opportunity to meet leading companies and take part in exciting challenges and hands-on activities. It’s a day that changes minds – especially those who may never have previously considered a career in science or technology!