The list below outlines the professional learning opportunities for next school session being organised by Education Scotland’s Sciences Team.

Please note that events may be subject to change due to availability of venues. Further events may be added to the calendar as the session progresses. Links for registration and venues will be sent out closer to the events.

Local authorities are also able to request support for their own events or to meet particular needs. We also welcome requests from local authorities to support citizen science, learning for sustainability and community resilience activities. To request support please email: ian.menzies@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk

September

30^th + 1^st     Cross-authority CfE Higher Assessment Review

Supported by SQA colleagues, the event will provide delegates with the opportunity to review the key messages from the CfE Higher assessment for each of the sciences. Following an evening of input delegates will then have a full day to co-develop resources for Higher Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Human Biology, and Physics in light of the needs identified.

Target audience: experienced secondary sciences FH and PTs who have been nominated by their authority.

 

October

28^th         Sharing Practice Network – raising attainment

This network was set up to explore strategies for raising attainment in the sciences. Our first raising attainment network event was on 11^th November 2014. At that event, delegates chose a strategy to develop and trial over the next few months. At the follow up event, as well as some examples of interesting practice, returning delegates will give short presentations on their findings.

Target audience: secondary science FHs, PTs and practitioners. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

November

12^th            NQ Cross-authority Writing Group

Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will reflect on the implementation of Advanced Higher and look to generate further resources to support learning and teaching. This event will have places for biology, chemistry, environmental science, human biology, and physics practitioners. Environmental science delegates will concentrate on other levels of NQ.

Target audience: experienced FH and PTs who have been nominated by their authority.

 

18^th           National Early Learning & Primary Science Network

Following on from the two day residential held in June 2015, this event will draw on the collective strengths and expertise of participants to co-develop resources and approaches to share nationally, supporting the on-going development of early learning and primary science. The purpose of this network is to:

• develop a common understanding of standards and progression in the sciences
• build capacity nationally amongst practitioners to support learning and teaching in the sciences
• create a national model for moderation

• co-develop resources to support the planning, teaching, assessment and moderation of the sciences curriculum within the Broad General Education.

Target audience: experienced early learning and primary PTs and practitioners who have responsibilities for science and who have been nominated by their authority.

 

December

8^th              Sharing Practice Network;

                    Flexible progression routes from BGE to senior phase

This network was set up to explore progression pathways through the BGE in preparation for the senior phase in science. The first event was held on 27^th February. At that event, delegates learned of different strategies to develop over the next few months. At the follow up event, as well as some examples of interesting practice, returning delegates will give short presentations on their developments.

Target audience: school leaders as well as secondary science FHs, PTs and practitioners. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 

January 2016

19^th             Cross-authority Writing Group – BGE (secondary)

Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will reflect on learning and teaching in the BGE and look to generate further resources and strategies to support learning and teaching.

Target audience: experienced secondary FH and PTs who have been nominated by their authority.

 

27^th              Sharing Practice Network – meeting learners’ needs

This network was set up to investigate strategies for learning and teaching in classroom where more than one NQ level is being taught at the same time. Our first meeting learners’ needs network event was on 31^st October 2014. At that event, delegates chose a strategy to develop and trial over the next few months. At the follow up event on June 8th, as well as some examples of interesting practice, returning delegates gave short presentations on their findings. This event will look at further developments made, celebrating success and learning from our experiences.

Target audience: school leaders as well as secondary science FHs, PTs and practitioners. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

February

25^th               National Science Network – Early to Fourth Level

Building on the achievements of the early learning and primary science network and the cross-authority BGE (secondary) events, this event will bring both networks together to co-develop resources and approaches to be shared nationally.

The purpose of this network is to:

• develop a common understanding of standards and progression in the sciences
• build capacity nationally amongst practitioners to support learning and teaching in the sciences
• create a national model for moderation
• co-develop resources to support the planning, teaching, assessment and moderation of the sciences curriculum within the Broad General Education.

Target audience: experienced early learning and primary PTs and practitioners who have responsibilities for science and who have been nominated by their authority. Also, experienced secondary FH and PTs who have been nominated by their authority.

 

March

1^st                NQ Cross-authority Writing Group – National 3 & 4

Supported by a number of partner agencies, this event will provide practitioners with opportunities to co-develop classroom resources and approaches to support learning and teaching in National 3 and 4 sciences qualification.

Target audience: experienced secondary FH and PTs who have been nominated by their authority.