Two #ASEChat topics suggested tonight -1) a quick review of the year so far, with all the attendant changes in our professional lives; 2) transition issues
I guess there are as many answers to the finance question as there are schools. Not sure devolved budgets has helped science over recent years #ASEChat
#asechat@ViciaScience is this primary -secondary transition? I would interested to know what data other schools get - do you do standardised testing? Project work etc.
www: getting back into the classroom after two years out; getting through the first year in a very different environment (part boarding school); finding different avenues for PD in and out of school #asechat
Best to kick off with primary / secondary transition as this will be the most frequently encountered, but lets not forget middle and tertiary transitions #ASEChat
3 packs still available to download https://t.co/hoYRFcOqx2 from #BSW EY, primary and secondary. also 2017 available, and can be linked to Crest awards @ScienceWeekUK#asechat (Great for transition?)
From what I see on Twitter it's much too early to say that in most schools - there are exceptions though where outstanding STEM work is happening regardless of SATs #asechat
Well it is so easy to become despondent listening to some people - just trying to open up a link of light - great opportunities for teaching science (indoors and out) at this time of year #ASEChat
The thing I find most difficult about primary to secondary transition is the varying experience of children from different primaries. Some have done lots of prac sci, some only theory. #asechat
Day-to-day it is the interaction in the classroom - longer term I really enjoy being able to share ideas beyond the department. Still relatively new to this side compare with others of course. #asechat
Agreed, I think post SATs some excellent science goes on in a lot of school but I am not convinced it's consistent through the year, especially from Jan - May #asechat
I sometimes wish the people responsible for such outstanding work in the classroom were prepared to share ideas with the rest of us - writing journal / blog articles for example #ASEChat
Even that is very variable. We have many who come in who have been drilled relentlessly for entrance exams, so have little practical experience #asechat
In reply to
@MrChurchTweets, @mrsjmasters, @ViciaScience
Some do and more are being encouraged to all the time - but you're right we still need to get more of the excellent practitioners out there to share their ideas widely #asechat
I know some schools where science goes out of the window in Year 5 “because of the SATs” then doesn’t get taught again til the end of Year 6 - nearly a year and a half between. Shocking! #ASEChat
Do you know - I often find the opposite! Students who can tell me all about space and science they’ve seen on YouTube but can’t tell me about variables, draw graphs, tables or use equipment. I guess it’s due to the lack of equipment in primaries and non-specialists #asechat
Needs the secondary school to take a lead? Do 'primary science visits' do the job or should secondary pupils visit primaries as 'science ambassadors'? #asechat
Having them for five years makes making the most of KS3 all the more critical for preparing them for GCSE study. Filling the knowledge gaps, getting them to a good practical competence, developing their scientific literacy etc etc. #asechat
In reply to
@MrChurchTweets, @mrsjmasters, @ViciaScience
This is a problematical especially if you have lots of feeder primaries ( I’ve heard of one with 43!)
So how does each phase ‘reach out’ for science? #asechat
Such a shame when science is such an amazing subject for engaging and inspiring children and the links to maths and literacy can only enhance children's overall experiences. Most of my science is taught with a heavy literacy or maths element #asechat
In an ideal world teachers should be able to do both in my opinion, which is why I support DfE proposals for secondment after several years teaching #ASEChat
If it was as simple as one secondary to a handful of primaries this may work, but with such variety of transitions from primary to secondary could this be workable? #asechat
We have Yr3-6 up every year in the science department - and many other departments do, but not nearly to the same extent with other primaries that students come from. #asechat
Sometimes it is a lack of confidence - or just thinking I am doing my job, when really they are doing an exceptional job. This is why external links, mentoring, recognition are so important to teaching #ASEChat
I know some schools where science goes out of the window in Year 5 “because of the SATs” then doesn’t get taught again til the end of Year 6 - nearly a year and a half between. Shocking! #ASEChat
Are you in the fortunate position of being able to take your classes through several years, or is it 'all change' in September? #ASEChat Some continuity is important
In reply to
@dave2004b, @MrChurchTweets, @mrsjmasters
In terms of transition from KS4-5 I think my biggest challenge is the jump in independence. Next year I plan to be much more explicit in terms of expectations with additional work outside the classroom then take the reins off after a while. #asechat
More to do with the focus on content, rather than working scientifically, perhaps this is the area thats most fruitful for transition type activities. (Same for all? ) #asechat
In reply to
@mrsjmasters, @MrChurchTweets, @ViciaScience
Hopefully @Psqm_HQ can have an impact too - the Outreach award is all about sharing beyond your school and getting involved with science teaching networks #asechat
In reply to
@MrChurchTweets, @AngeSciTeach, @ViciaScience, @Psqm_HQ
And so do teachers! So it can be challenging to remember to be clear about purpose of some of these activities that have a high entertainment value. #ASEChat
Yep - small steps, realise people want to hear what you're sharing and develop confidence from there. The ASE Primary pop up and Teachmeet were outstanding this year and will only grow going forward #asechat
In reply to
@stevethedoc1, @MrChurchTweets, @ViciaScience
As far as possible teachers remain with their groups, but some they are more and more set moving through Yr7 to Y10 when they are fixed, so some change over. Certainly Yr9-11 keep same teacher as far as possible. Yr7-8 a bit more variable #ASEchat
In reply to
@ViciaScience, @MrChurchTweets, @mrsjmasters
#ASEchat#SLtchat@NeedhamL56 We very much think #science is something that many schools fit in, if they have time after the important stuff like maths, and english is cone
Never easy even with a 'captive' primary pyramid supporting just one or two secondaries. Each needs an individual solution, and personal relationships built up #ASEChat
Oh yes, seeing how the other half lives for longer than just an odd afternoon, would be a great way to improve understanding too the other phases #asechat@educationgovuk
In reply to
@ViciaScience, @dave2004b, @educationgovuk
I use the rates topic to do this - I wrote a chapter of a book, and provide them practical opportunities, but its a much more 'student-directed' topic than normal. Anecdotally, they seem to enjoy the bit more freedom, and seem to learn what I expect of them #ASEchat
My gained time picked up 6 new classes including planning lessons that I can't teach because I'm already teaching another class. No gained time this year :( #asechat
And therein lies a bit part of the problem - time is always at a premium, and coordinating secondary staff time/cover and primary school priorities is a major hindrance. #asechat Not insurmountable, but hard.
The 'trick' would be to make sure the 'something else' did not become more important than the classroom or we could lose many talented teachers #ASEChat
Yikes! Sounds familiar from previous schools - often lost teachers at Easter and not replaced. Students need teaching so we step in, getting to the end of term feeling unprepared for the next academic year :( #asechat
In reply to
@aegilopoides, @doc_kristy, @ViciaScience
It’s getting there. Maybe I’ll write a blog on the journey at some part but it has started with a shared vision with Science leads and regular meetings. #asechat
A potential problem, but compare with the current attrition rate, many are leaving because of burn out already - a mixed career may help more stay on for longer #asechat
double like! especially the second bit… #asechat
Science is a core subject in English (and Welsh?) schools, hey does it get the same curriculum time as E & M? @Ofstednews
Agree - teachers should recognise this as part of becoming an experienced teacher, but no recognition scheme in place as far as I know (cod sounds fishy - should it be cpd?) #ASEChat
In reply to
@stevethedoc1, @Glazgow, @MrChurchTweets
#ASEchat www I am finding it easier to balance my many roles and have enjoyed some really interesting and varied work. Really happy with how my y8 curriculum has settled down and had some nice comments from other members of staff about it
talking to each other might help, so that the perceived gaps can be taken into account at transition. Children must feel frustrated in lessons where they either repeat stuff or are expected to build on prior K that they don’t yet know #asechat
#ASEChat ebi: I need to get my head around practicals for y13, I hate all the tracking and their prac books look awful by the end of the year. There must be a better way but I need to find it and evaluate it.
I certainly find carousels of teacher 'specialists' in Y10 / 11 a concern. But then some teachers are unhappy at teaching outside their specialism #ASEChat
In reply to
@dave2004b, @MrChurchTweets, @mrsjmasters
Until govt+wider community appreciate that excellent education from 1st class teachers involves a vast amount more than standing in front of the class we are not going to move forward much☹ #asechat Apologies for the downer (way I feel at mo)
In reply to
@dave2004b, @ViciaScience, @mrsjmasters
Hi new to these chats so hope you don’t mind me popping up! I’m in ITT and some students see/teach very little Science and in many schools it’s not seen as core. #asechat
That would be the best option - we really need the non-teachers making these decisions to get past the 'data is everything' issue - it's doing far more harm than good #asechat
In reply to
@MrChurchTweets, @NeedhamL56, @educationgovuk
Hi new to these chats so hope you don’t mind me popping up! I’m in ITT and some students see/teach very little Science and in many schools it’s not seen as core. #asechat
We have a Scottish Maths Week - it's great but I haven't yet figured what's different about Scottish maths? Other then the kilts, haggis and whisky :-) #asechat
In reply to
@MrChurchTweets, @stevethedoc1, @NeedhamL56, @Ofstednews
Apparently they are called 'braided' careers (or so the Royal Society research I am being interviewed for says)... the trick is to make the jobs complimentary not competition... works for me anyway #ASEChat
I agree, secondment can help prevent burn out, but need to remain in employ of the school to ensure benefits are shared with colleagues on return #ASEchat
Doesn't make any difference to us. Like Jane says, it is the independence that is the issue, not the content. 'Double/triple' makes no difference to pupils attitudes and independent study skills #ASEchat
Many don’t get to ‘practice’ with the support of their teacher/mentor before having their own class and then feel unprepared. I do have some amazing students who I know will be brilliant science subject leaders who push the subject! #asechat
Also remember there is a transition beyond school for our post-16 students. Some into employment but many into further study. How well do we support that as teachers? #ASEChat
Also see primary assessment section on @theASE web site https://t.co/89slyNqe0u#PLAN to support your understanding of what pupils can do as a secondary teacher (as well as 1ry) #asechat
Now I certainly don't have enough hair for that... ;) I've heard them called other things as well - can't remember off the top of my head. Taking the leap away from a full time role with one employer can be an intimating prospect #asechat
Mine all come from single biology but it’s not the content they struggle with - it’s the expectation I have that they go home, open their folders, re-read their notes and check the text book and do some orca questions even if I haven’t set “homework”. #asechat
If it is secondment then this would be implied. However, if benefits are for the wider teaching community then I don't think it is necessarily essential. I think my 2 years out benefited me, and I think I'm helping other beyond my department now. #asechat
Hi I’m in Primary ITT after teaching for 12 years and being Science SL (also very proud to have achieved PSQM Gold). Some schools seem to have a real balance and a strong focus on science...others less so which makes me cross then sad #asechat
That's the phrase - having that long-term secondment is a certainly a useful stepping stone, and I guess your school gets a huge amount back from you crossing the divide, and all the other experiences you bring in. #asechat
I have no issue with them 'knowing' the orcas for the exam, more that I want them to be better with their books (as most will go on and study science in HE) and also find it easier for me to track what was done well for the official record #ASEchat
They are expected to - issues can be if they’re in a MAT then the SL may be based at a different school. They all have to teach it and do associated tasks but they may only see one lesson on their whole placement #asechat
In reply to
@stevethedoc1, @MrChurchTweets, @NeedhamL56
I use tweetdeck too, but still 'lose the thread' so start responding only to most recent posts. I try to compile a listing after each #ASEChat so can look back at missed posts
In reply to
@PrimaryEmma, @MrChurchTweets, @NeedhamL56
Yes that too Helen, excellent idea! 2 days is most likely, would need teaching in specialisms though as otherwise science load is too high and end up with split classes. So I teach 2 days and do KS3 and A level because it is easier to tt #asechat
I don't think so - it's open to anyone, just like ASE and most other conferences, and hopefully many teachers from across the UK will think it's worthwhile and make the trip up to Edinburgh for some excellent primary science focused CPD. #asechat
but more likely that fellows will attend because of financial support? Apologies if I’ve got this wrong… #asechat (Not dissing the opportunity that it affords!)
