Listen below to James Brown, Curriculum Director of Science at Meridian Trust, and many other colleagues across the Trust to find out more about our innovative work in this spotlight on Science.
James Brown, Curriculum Director for Science at Meridian Trust, gives an overview of the curriculum.
We spoke to students at the annual science fair held at Ely College in 2023. It attracts parents as well as primary school pupils, all looking to learn more about our rich and varied secondary school science curriculum.
Meridian Trust held a trust-wide Science INSET at Northstowe Secondary College. It was a wonderful day to dedicate time to subject-specific professional learning and foster closer relationships between schools and colleagues.
The focus for the day, held in October 2022, was purposeful and effective practical work and colleagues enjoyed a keynote speech from James De Winter, Lecturer in Science Education at the University of Cambridge, and selected workshops from a wide range of sessions to choose from.
Our chemists were treated to renowned Microscale chemistry specialist, Bob Worley, and there were two options for Physics – a GCSE practical physics session aimed at supporting non-specialists and a specialist A-level Physics practical session. Our Biologists looked at a number of core required practicals and discovered ways to improve student knowledge and understanding while doing them.
Alongside our guest speakers, colleagues enjoyed some Science Teachmeets presented by several of our own Meridian Trust colleagues. There were options for everyone, from ECTs to experienced colleagues.
Let’s hear from some of our colleagues about how they found the day…
“As part of our vision for Science we want to inspire our colleagues to enable them to thrive. Bringing together our Science family is a wonderful opportunity and experience – to set culture, build meaningful collaboration and share best practice. We are so grateful for all our colleagues who made the day such a success and I look forward to many more!” – James Brown, Director of Science for Meridian Trust
“Our Meridian Trust training days are a fantastic opportunity for staff to network with teachers from across other schools in the trust. As a new curriculum leader, I particularly enjoyed leading a Teachmeet session on questioning and I know several members of my team came away with useful information and ideas that they have been able to share across our own department. The final keynote speaker session on practical work was incredibly inspiring and encouraged us to really think about why we complete practical work in the classroom and the key things we want students to learn.” – Claire Allen, Curriculum Area Leader: Science and Technology at Stratton Upper School
“The session on literacy had some really practical ideas for classroom activities, which I can easily embed into KS3 lessons. It was useful to be reminded of some time-saving IT tips such as mail merge, and to be given time to reflect on the value and most effective use of parental communication.” – Lily Denis, KS3 Science Coordinator at Sawtry Village Academy
“The training event was an excellent opportunity to network with other specialists across the trust and to find out what is going on in their respective academies. The training day also provided insight as to how we can make practical science accessible to all, where there are sometimes barriers due to equipment and resources available. The microchemistry seminar was particularly useful, with lots of microscale investigations that can be easily integrated into practice.” – Louis Jinkerson, Teacher of Science at Ely College
“We spent a really useful hour learning how we could improve literacy in our science labs and are very grateful for the excellent resources provided.” – Louisa Andrews, Teacher of Science at Nene Park Academy
“I participated in a microscale chemistry session which was enjoyable and useful. We learnt about simplified versions of chemistry practicals that can be of real benefit to student learning. The microscale practical methods reduce cognitive overload, making it easier for students to successfully complete the practical and make links to the theory behind it.” – Charlotte Fenner, Teacher of Science at Ely College
We spoke to Sam Cottrill, Science Curriculum Area Lead, about the focus for the science curriculum across Meridian Trust’s secondary education. He explains how the 100+ teachers are able to learn from each and collaborate.
Sam Cottrill, Science Curriculum Area Lead.
Innovation in the primary science curriculum at Meridian Trust is being inspired by a Histon & Impington Brook Primary School Year 5 class teacher, who is also playing a wider role in designing and delivering related professional development for schools across the region.
Rosie Burns, Science Lead and Upper Key Stage 2 Phase Leader at Histon & Impington Brook Primary School, was recently appointed Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Science Learning Partnership (SLP) Primary Lead.
In this position, Rosie, whose undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences saw her specialise in Biology and Education, is rolling out a Primary CPD programme, which is supported by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Teaching School Hub. The programme offers network meetings, standalone courses, conferences and bespoke CPD, with new activities available every term.
All Meridian Trust primary schools have now signed up to a SLP Primary Science Subscription Package, which has allowed them to participate in a range of CPD sessions and local network discussions to help drive continuous improvement.
“Having previously been a Science Lead across Cambridge Primary Education Trust schools, my role with the SLP has brought a wonderful opportunity to support curriculum development of both Meridian Trust primaries and those outside of the Trust,” Rosie explained. “Internally, this has certainly encouraged a shared dialogue to build across our schools and great science practice to be shared and celebrated. Ultimately, I hope the long-term impact of this will be a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards science (both pupils and staff) in addition to strong substantive and disciplinary knowledge acquisition.”
Rosie also noted the impact of a moderation course attended by representatives from all Meridian primaries. “Following the Ofsted Review Series two years ago, I was particularly interested in the disparity evidenced between end of KS2 assessment data and that quoted from biennial sampling,” she said. “In 2018, sampling showed only 21.2% of children were reaching expectations; however, teacher assessments showed 82% were meeting the expected standard. “Through the SLP, we trialled an end of KS2 moderation in science process during a course last summer. This was very well received and led me to formally implement this moderation opportunity for the region. With contributors from a wide range of schools, it has been an important step in supporting local teachers to make accurate and robust judgements, thus improving the confidence in our regional KS2 science assessments.”
Rosie’s role as a mentor for both trainee and early career teachers (including participation in a pilot of the Early Career Framework) endorsed her interest in developing expertise in the area of teacher development. Recently, she successfully completed an NPQ in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD). “Participation in the NPQLTD programme provided an opportunity for me to hone my understanding of effective professional development whilst learning how to design, deliver, and implement a range of CPD approaches,” she revealed. “I also believed that participation in this programme would afford opportunities for me to progress my career whilst still focusing on in-class practice and my aim (as Science Lead) to encourage great teaching of primary science.
“In my recently acquired new role as SLP Primary Lead for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, I have made great use of the Designing and Delivering Effective Professional Development modules in particular. The idea of triangulation when determining priorities has been important when considering CPD needs across the county but also more specifically within individual schools. Analysing data and getting feedback from teachers, in addition to looking at broader research carried out e.g., by the EEF or Ofsted Review Series, has helped ensure that the courses we provide are built upon robust evidence.”
Jonathan Newman, Headteacher at Histon & Impington Brook Primary School, added: “Rosie’s love of science is evident from the moment you meet her, and her enthusiasm is infectious. She is deeply committed to attaining and promoting excellence in primary science in her school, Meridian Trust and beyond; she hopes that when children see science on the timetable they will react like a Year 5 pupil did recently and say, ‘Yes! Seriously awesome!’”
We spoke to Claire Allen about her role as Curriculum Area Lead at Stratton Upper School and the support she has received from Meridian Trust to allow her career to flourish.