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SLP Cheshire & Stockport: Ideas, Courses & Resources!
Cheshire and Stockport Science Learning Partnership have so much to offer. Have you seen their latest newsletter? Take a look and get in touch with them to sign up!
Contact: Dr Sarah Longshaw – [email protected]
SLP Cheshire & Stockport Lead
SLP Cheshire & Stockport Newsletter
“Welcome to the summer term! A term of two halves – the first dominated by trying to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the run up to the exams…
Looking for resources for topics?
Here’s a useful article on pollution which features in the chemistry specs and some background to potable (drinkable) water.
Want an engaging starter? Try this!
Comparing the sizes of microorganisms and cells up to 1mm. How could you use this in revisiting maths skills?
Looking for revision resources?
Here’s a selection collated after the AQA Hub meetings and here’s a useful physics equation resource to share with students.
The following might also be useful if you are trying to explain to students/parents/SLT how the new combined science grading works.
For those of you running science clubs and wondering whether the effort is worth it – I’d say so!
And, as always, check out what your local SLP has planned.
Don’t forget the training and networks available through the Science Learning Partnership and if you don’t see what you want – please get in touch.”
Contact: Dr Sarah Longshaw – [email protected]
SLP Cheshire & Stockport Lead
COURSES:
Engaging and ensuring progress of low attainers in science
RA229 / C03
Date and time – 6 Jun 18, 13.00 to 16.00
Location – Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1NT
Summary
This course provides participants with strategies to improve the progress made by low attaining students in science. it supports the development of numeracy and literacy skills in Science and the identification of science misconceptions.
Outcomes
You will:
• develop strategies to improve student motivation to engage by linking the interests of students to the curriculum
• identify new and interesting challenges to incorporate into science practical teaching
• apply new methods to support students with the unique literacy challenges linked to science achievement and develop a 5 year numeracy road map to support improved attainment in numeracy
Mathematics in science teaching
RA210 / C05
Date and time – 12 Jun 18, 13.00 to 16.00
Location – Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1NT
Summary
There is an increased mathematical demand in science and a greater understanding is necessary to accelerate learning and raise attainment for science GCSE’s.
This course explores the typical weaknesses in mathematics that hinder students’ ability to understand and solve scientific problems. It will give teachers an increased confidence in teaching the mathematical aspects of secondary science and the skills and strategies to meet these requirements.
Outcomes
You will be able to:
• appreciate how weaknesses in understanding mathematics can lead to difficulty in understanding secondary science
• identify pedagogies to address these weaknesses
• understand how mathematics is used to make simple descriptions and predictions in science and how this might be supported by software examples
• access mathematics in science resources for teaching GCSE science
Technician network session 3-3
RA607 / C03
Date and time – 15 Jun 18, 13:30-15:30
Location – Sandbach School, Crewe Road, Sandbach CW11 3NS
Summary
With curriculum change at A level and GCSE on the horizon presenting challenges for school science departments, it seems an appropriate time for those supporting school science to meet to discuss and share good practice.
Outcomes
You will:
• be updated about curriculum changes
• establish how this will impact school science departments
• establish a working brief for the network
• identify future training needs
Subject leaders’ network meeting
RA219 / C21
Date and time – 28 Jun 18, 13:30-16:00
Location – The Winsford Academy, Grane Lane, Winsford, CW7 2BT
Summary
This is a chance for collaboration with your peers so you can share information and develop as a leader. Expert consultants will help you identify priority issues in teaching and learning and professional development for your teams. You will be able to develop solutions, drawing on the expertise within the group. This strengthening of informal school-to-school support will create an effective network of information, advice and guidance.
We are delighted to announce that Sarah Old from Ofqual will be joining our summer Head of Science network meeting to take your questions and feedback on the changes to the science qualifications. We expect the discussion to cover topics such as comparable outcomes in the first year of a new qualification, tiering, how the new Combined Science grading scale works and the new ways of assessing mathematical and practical skills. There will be an opportunity to submit questions in advance.
In addition we plan to look at how schools are structuring the science curriculum; whether that is a five year journey; an extended key stage four or a transition Year 9.
We hope that you will be able to join us and share your experiences.
Outcomes
You will be able to:
• work collaboratively to identify priorities in science teaching and learning and in science-specific professional development for your teams
• share and develop strategies to tackle these issues, drawing on expertise as needed from outside the network
Physics for non-specialists
RA208 / C02
Date and time – 28 Jun 18, 09.30-15.30
Location – Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1NT
Summary
If you have been asked to teach physics and it is outside your specialist area, this course is for you.
It has been developed with the Institute of Physics and throughout the course we will develop your understanding of the principles of physics and the skills and strategies needed to teach the subject effectively and improve student motivation and attainment. This, in turn, will increase take-up of physics at GCSE, A level and beyond.
Outcomes
You will be able to:
• increase your understanding of physics topics at 11-16
• become more confident and competent in your teaching of physics at 11-16
• develop an understanding of common student misconceptions and how these can be addressed
• employ the effective use of scientific models relevant to the teaching of physics
• rehearse opportunities for practical work and the use of ICT-based activities
• teach the mathematical aspects of physics with greater confidence
Technician network – Cheshire West and Chester
RA607 / C04
Date and time – 29 Jun 18, 13.30 – 15.30
Location – The Catholic High School, Chester A Specialist Science College, Old Wrexham Road, Handbridge, Chester CH4 7HS
Summary
The £60.00 fee is per school. The school may send as many technicians as they like
With curriculum change at A level and GCSE on the horizon presenting challenges for school science departments, it seems an appropriate time for those supporting school science to meet to discuss and share good practice.
Outcomes
You will:
• be updated about curriculum changes
• establish how this will impact school science departments
• establish a working brief for the network
• identify future training needs
Essential skills for new and aspiring science leaders
RA206 / C05
Date and time – 18 Sep 18 and 13 Nov 18 – 14.00 to 17.00
Location – Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1NT
Summary
Working with an experienced science leader, you will develop your vision and leadership skills to enable you to lead an effective and vibrant science team. By improving your leadership and management skills you will help your team teach more effectively so students achieve their potential.
Outcomes
You will be able to:
• use data analysis and information to identify key priorities for departmental improvement
• analyse common challenges and explore solutions to address them
• evaluate and select strategies to implement successful teamwork and lead change
• develop a vision for teaching and learning in science by sharing ideas with other new lead
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