Encouraging Small People to Think Big

  In recent days, I have been reflecting on becoming part of the Association of Science Education (ASE) community over the last few years and also the amazing positives of 2020- which have come in sharp contrast to the unprecedented year in which we have all been living through a pandemic. Thank you to Hannah Russell and all at the ASE for being such a wonderfully supportive and encouraging organisation which is just awesome!   I was introduced to the ASE by Bryony Turford @priscigeeks in 2017 when undertaking PQSM with my school- as PSQM participants, we were issued with a free Conference pass in the PSQM package.   ASE Conference 2018- Liverpool This was my first ASE conference. I was inspired during sessions such as those from Alex Sinclair and Amy Strachan. There was an international delegation and it was a fascinating and extremely motivational environment. I also attended sessions by Dr Lynne Bianchi- about her book Smart Pickings- and Bryony Turford, Sarah Earle an...

My PSQM journey This began 4 years ago when I arrived at our school as a Year 6 teacher. As a new Science co-ordinator, the Head indicated a commitment to improving Science and it was identified that completing the Bronze PSQM was absolutely pivotal in promoting and supporting our school progression in Science- it has had a massive impact on our school, my Science Leadership skills and the Science learning journey for all of our pupils.   Undertaking PSQM  This was such an amazing experience and I was totally inspired. Bryony Turford- Yorkshire Senior Hub Leader(@priscigeeks)- totally ignited my interest and engagement with Science and teaching it at Primary. Having a positive growth mindset and encouragement is so important and she has that in bucket loads. She is a wonderful mentor and I am certain that she has made a profound impact on my ability as a Science teacher and leader, as well as helping me to ensure progression throughout our school in maximising the Science lear...

I thought it would be good to share my experiences of STEM Learning. Along with PSQM, they and their staff have been so inspirational to me on my ‘Science Lead’ learning journey. In the Beginning Initially, and as a new Science co-ordinator, I was encouraged to undertake the STEM Learning 9 day ‘Developing the Experienced Primary Science Lead’ course. This took place over three 3-day sessions and was funded through an Enthuse bursary due to the fact that the school where I work is in a low socio-economic area. It was such an awesome experience. The STEM Centre is a wonderful place, full of enthusiastic and encouraging staff including Tanya Shields, Sarah Dagnell and Karen Bruynee. The way the course was delivered was so interesting and engaging. There were loads of ‘hands-on’ activities to get involved in- which really helped me to remember the value of hands-on learning. I also learned more about assessment, enquiry types, different science topics, strategies for leading a subject and...

It is so important that our pupils gain skills and knowledge about careers and therefore we are so proud at the school where I work to have recently attained the ‘Primary Careers Mark’. Quality Careers Education activities, and subsequent knowledge, enable pupils to understand and develop characteristics such as resilience and patience- required for their future. Information given is free from gender bias and develops knowledge about careers in their local area; it also helps them to identify their own characteristics and potentially, what kind of jobs they might like and suit. We work to give our children the appropriate IT skills and confidence to be flexible as they travel their learning journey. This really enhances pupil self-esteem as their confidence grows.    Our school has included a careers element within its curriculum for many years, particularly in Year 6 as the pupils have been undergoing transition to Year 7. The Careers Mark programme was brought to our attenti...

My Masters Journey and Top Tips   My journey  It is widely acknowledged that participating in a Masters is admirable and a considerable task; this was an important undertaking for me and a long held ambition. However, working on a full-time basis in school leaves professionals with very little spare time. As a teacher of Six years at the time of starting and also working in Year Six, plus heading towards a big birthday, it seemed like the time was right for me to seize the opportunity and complete this ambition. I feared that if I did not do so, my optimum chance may pass me by. An opportunity arose when I realised the local college was running a ‘Masters in Education’ course in the evenings.   As Science/STEM Subject Lead, I had recently attained the PSQM accreditation with my school which meant I had been busy and had re-familiarised myself with working in an academic way. I felt that whilst learning at the East Riding College, new knowledge gained would inform my work....

Hello again and welcome. It makes me so sad that humankind is inflicting such damage on our planet and that once again, a manmade catastrophe is looming. The tragic environmental disaster- this time in the shape of an oil spill- unfolding in the Indian Ocean, is yet another horrendous problem to afflict itself on our natural environment.* It seems that since lock-down the planet has been having a rest from pollutants to a large extent and that people have been really enjoying getting outside with their families and rediscovering nature- it’s brilliant. Certainly, at our school, our pupils have really engaged with outdoor learning- both at school and distance learning- far more; a trend which is planned to be continued when we return to school with a renewed intention to promote and teach in the outdoors. Our pupils have been renovating our pond area and have taken great pride in their achievement. This has and will continue to really support good mental health and well-being, as well a...

Hello and welcome, I thought it would be a good idea to tell you a bit about myself. I am very enthusiastic about most things! I love my family and our dog Blue! My favourite ways to pass time are travelling and enjoying new cultures, walking Blue and enjoying nature. I love trees and my home county of Yorkshire! My daughters are all just about grown up so I am always very happy when they are home or when we are all together.    Becoming a teacher I started my Primary Education journey when I was 37 and my daughters were 5, 10 and 14 years old. I had always thought about becoming a teacher but never had an opportunity to realise that dream. After completing a ‘City In Guilds’ Level 2 Teaching Assistant qualification in 2007, I got a job working at a brilliant primary school in 2008- supporting a little boy with SEND. The Head teacher was so supportive and suggested that I do a Foundation Degree in Learning Support. I subsequently attended night class at the University of Hull ...