Reflecting on 'Science on Stage' 2026, Lithuania

I’ve been reflecting on my participation in the Science on Stage Festival in Lithuania earlier in the year- a European platform provided for teachers to exchange pedagogical concepts and share science teaching ideas. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from so many- over 4 days- including the 20 wonderful teachers who, with myself,made up the UK delegation including Rose Edmondson, Stuart Naismith, Becky Parker, Alex Black and Pete Munroe. There was a diverse range of projects from early years through to post 16, aiming to share good practice and raise the overall quality of science teaching. My project was part of the ‘STEM Education for Sustainable Development’ category and highlighted the power of collaborative learning through use of ‘Great Science Share for Schools’ resources, linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (UN).

The whole UK delegation- see link below for full details





I travelled with Rose, an excellent science teacher and representative of secondary science education in England- this was such a pleasure. It was a real honour to be part of such a talented UK delegation and to subsequently connect with colleagues from across Europe and beyond; with 35 countries represented at the festival in Klaipeda, Lithuania. 


It was also an honour to be part of the opening ceremony delegation addressed by the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda. It was wonderful to meet teachers throughout the festival who were visiting from many countries- to share expertise, resources, ideas and enthusiasm for STEM related learning. What struck me most was the passion for science and STEM education that was so visible throughout the festival. It was inspiring to see teachers sharing ideas, celebrating innovative approaches and learning from one another. Delegates came with inspirational projects, resources and experiences which were fascinating to learn about and from. Being part of this community was both a privilege and a reminder of the creativity, enthusiasm and commitment that teachers bring to science education.


UK delegate colleagues from Thomas Hardye School 


I was delighted to share resources, experiences and information about the #GreatScienceShare2025 event, which was held at the STEM Learning Centre in York, last summer. This brought together local primary pupils to collaborate and be curious through participating in inspiring GSSfS science activities. I’ve written about this event- which was published in the 'Great Science Share for Schools' 10th Anniversary Edition of the ‘Primary Science Journal’ (ASE, 26), which I’ll link below.
Meeting other delegates and
attendees- to share and learn


I’m really looking forward to developing the connections made in Lithuania and continuing to build international links through science and STEM education. There is so much we can learn from one another, to enhance learning for our pupils and ensure the importance of science as a subject is recognised across education- and I’m excited to see where these new connections lead. 

I would like to thank David  Featonby, Stuart Farmer and Kulvinder Johal, for all their hard work, commitment and support throughout the whole Science On Stage process. Their work, and that of the steering committee, is tireless and very much appreciated. Klaipeda is a really great place and it was such a joy to take part in the festival, to spend time there and to learn more about the University town and Lithuania. I would also like to thank STEM Learning for their support with the event in York and subsequent sponsorship of my transport costs for the festival in Lithuania. This is very much appreciated. Lastly, thank you to Linda Crouch, for all her hard work and support in getting the GSSfS event up and running whilst we were both working together at STEM Learning last year. It was an absolute pleasure! 
A visit to the beautiful shores of the Baltic 

Hands-on workshop- Maren Kelly and Turkish delegates
Becky Parker and leading European delegate

The next Science on Stage festival will be in 2028. If you are a teacher, I can only urge you to apply if you are interested- what a great experience both personally and professionally, which is highly recommended. If you have a science project that promotes pupil interest, relates to real life, is inquiry based and has a sustainable effect, check out the Science on Stage information below- it could be you in 2028!

So great to meet colleagues and make new friends
Travelling home with Rose and Stuart
See Association for Science Education (ASE) links below for details about Science on Stage
and Science on stage 2026

Link below to my article, Peer to Peer Learning; Showcasing the Power of Collaborative Learning
Primary Science Special Issue, January 2026- Great Science Share for Schools
https://www.ase.org.uk/system/files/PS%20187%20p33-37%20Sutton.pdf
#ScienceOnStage #SoS26 #STEMLearning #BurlingtonJuniorSchool #GreatScienceShare

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