Oxfordshire Primary Science Conference

Jules Pottle is a part-time teacher and provides educational consultancy for companies such as DK, Pearson and the BBC.  She trains teachers in using stories to teach science, writes books on this topic and presents her work at conferences. She also writes picture books which teach science through story. She is an experienced trainer with Storytelling Schools and has recently taken on the job of running the company. Storytelling Schools promote a method of teaching writing using a large amount of oracy and drama to prepare for each written text. She has recently collaborated with David Allen to create a website full of oracy and drama ideas to teach curriculum topics which are designed to ‘print-and-go’, supporting teachers with preparing drama and oracy activities.

Joshua Piggott is a full-time class teacher and STEM Leader, with the National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership (NPQSL). Joshua has extensive experience working with teachers and science subject leaders across schools, as well as mentoring and coaching trainee teachers through ITT programmes to improve the quality of Primary Science provision. He also collaborates closely with university researchers and industry professionals to enrich practice and bring real-world science into the classroom.

In recognition of his impact, Joshua received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Prize for Excellence in Primary Education in 2021, was named Primary Science Teacher of the Year in 2023, and awarded STEM Educator of the Year in 2025. He is a registered Professional Development Leader (PDL) for STEM Learning UK, a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust College, and an accredited trainer for a metacognitive programme rooted in cognitive science.

Joshua has also authored and reviewed national educational resources, including materials for Kapow Primary and the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Steps into Science. Passionate about British farming and sustainability, he has embedded these themes into his school curriculum, achieving LEAF Education Demonstration School status.

David Allen is an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, University of Hertfordshire. His specialism is in art drama and science in his work teaching ITT at the University of Hertfordshire. He has also published books on these topics. Jules and David have been developing training and resources to support the teaching of oracy in science through drama and storytelling for the last 15 years in various ways and have come together to make this website and support as many teachers as possible.

Maria Pack is the Lead Primary Consultant at CLEAPSS. CLEAPSS are the practical work people, promoting safe and effective practical work in schools and colleges that are teaching pupils from reception (age 4-5) up to age 18. They provide members with tried and tested practical activities, supporting leaders in charge of health and safety and by providing model risk assessments. 95% of primary schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are members of CLEAPSS and all receive their termly magazine EXPLORE which contains up-to-date advice, practical teaching ideas and much more.

Peter Marshman is CEO of multi-award winning Digit<all> charity and previously assistant headteacher at Park House School in Newbury.  Peter is known for his work across the UK and Europe in engaging girls in computing and his approach to active and contextualised teaching and learning.

Mini Grey is a renowned British author and illustrator of children’s picture books, known for her quirky, detailed, and often humorous,, style. She won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal in 2006 for The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon. Her popular works include Traction Man is Here and Biscuit Bear.

Patricia is a researcher and science communicator at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. Her work combines citizen science with artificial intelligence to help accelerate biological image analysis. She is experienced in translating cutting-edge research into communicable science, and routinely engages with schools and the public through the Science Scribbler citizen science projects on the Zooniverse.

Emily is Head of Science Oxford Centre at The Oxford Trust, and has worked within the Science Oxford team since 2019 – when the current Headington Science Oxford Centre first opened. Emily attended The Oxford Trust’s first hands-on space,‘CuriOXity’, as a child and grew up in West Oxfordshire, before heading to Sheffield to undertake both her undergraduate and PhD in Biochemistry and Microbiology. She has experience in science festivals, science communication broadcasting and hands-on learning, and has previously worked for the Cambridge Science Centre.

9.30am:  Arrival and market place

10.00am: Keynote address

‘Oracy across the science curriculum’

Jules Pottle, Primary Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Author

Jules will explore the importance and impact of oracy within education. It’s the new buzz word in education but what does good oracy actually look like in a school context and why is it important in life? Jules will take us through the ways that oracy activities and drama can engage and immerse children in a topic and promote their spoken language skills at the same time.

10.45am: Workshops

‘Science and Drama’

Jules Pottle, Primary Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Author

David Allen, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, University of Hertfordshire

In a very practical workshop, prepare to take on a role and learn new techniques that you can apply to whatever you are teaching next term. The focus will be on the science curriculum but the skills you learn can be applied to the entire curriculum. You will also be introduced to a new website called Let’s Do Drama (letsdodrama.com) which is a repository of ‘print and go’ activities that you can quickly incorporate into your planning.

‘Using Citizen Science in the Classroom with ‘Virus Factory in Schools’

Patricia Smith, Rosalind Franklin Institute

This workshop will explore how you can use online citizen science to support your teaching and contribute to real scientific research at the same time. We will take a look at the Zooniverse website, explore some active citizen science projects, and introduce you to the ‘Virus Factory in Schools’ project – a teaching resource built using the science capital teaching approach to enable you to deliver up to four workshops on microbiology, viruses, and citizen science to KS2. You’ll also receive a class box with everything you need to deliver the ‘Virus Factory in Schools’ workshops yourself!

‘Engaging with Science Oxford’

Emily Brooker-Fisk, Head of Science Oxford Centre, The Oxford Trust

Is this your first time visiting the Science Oxford Centre, and/or you’d like to learn more about how you can visit with your pupils? This session aims to introduce you to the Science Oxford Centre team and teaching ethos, it gives you a chance to find out about all the shows and workshops on offer, and to have some hands-on time in the Exploration Zone for yourself! Our team will be able to talk through all the needs of your trip, including risk assessments, booking processes, timetabling, and logistics.

11.45am: Coffee break and market place

12.10pm: Workshops

‘Nature as Our Classroom: Hands-on Science Outdoors’

Joshua Piggott, Primary Science Specialist Teacher

In this workshop, we will step outside and discover how the outdoors can become a powerful science classroom. Designed to spark curiosity and connection with the natural world, this session will offer simple, engaging ideas you can take back to school to bring science to life beyond the classroom walls.

‘CLEAPSS Primary Practical Workshop’ – all new activities!

Maria Pack, Lead Primary Consultant at CLEAPSS

This workshop is a series of practical activities to try and take away, using easily accessible and easy-to-use materials. All practical activities are trialed in schools with children and developed with teachers, the session will include tips on planning for effective practical work that supports both knowledge and skills.

‘EcoCode – Sustainable Scientified Computing with the micro:bit’

Peter Marshman, CEO, Digit<all> charity

During this workshop you’ll explore the fantastic world of STEM through the lens of the latest sustainability research at UKRI.  You’ll find out why penguin’s feet don’t freeze, why llamas are valuable to our existence and why we should care about cosmic rays and spider silk!  You will find out how pupils can engage with these context with the micro:bit to get them digitally active.  You will also find out how to access 15 free creative resources and how to make the most of the free CPD that supports these activities.

1.10pm: Lunch and market place

2.00pm: Keynote address

‘Roots and Routes: Connecting the Environment, Farming, and Future Careers’

Joshua Piggott, Primary Science Specialist Teacher

This keynote will explore how farming and the environment can inspire and enrich Primary Science, helping to smash stereotypes and raise aspirations for future careers. Underpinned by educational research, it will highlight the importance of early science experiences and show how farming can showcase a wide range of exciting career pathways. The talk will share ways schools can connect learning to the real world through classroom activities and farm visits, while helping children understand where food comes from.

2.45pm: Workshops

‘The Greatest Show on Earth – stories as springboards for science’

Mini Grey, Author and Illustrator

How the story of life on Earth can be a framework for understanding Earth processes and the evolution of animals and plants. Mini will introduce the 600 million year story of animal life on Earth with timelines and props, and share practical ideas for using the story of life on Earth as a springboard for science exploration.

‘CLEAPSS Primary Practical Workshop’ – all new activities!

Maria Pack, Lead Primary Consultant at CLEAPSS

This workshop is a series of practical activities to try and take away, using easily accessible and easy-to-use materials. All practical activities are trialed in schools with children and developed with teachers, the session will include tips on planning for effective practical work that supports both knowledge and skills.

‘EcoCode – Sustainable Scientified Computing with the micro:bit’

Peter Marshman, CEO, Digit<all> charity

During this workshop you’ll explore the fantastic world of STEM through the lens of the latest sustainability research at UKRI.  You’ll find out why penguin’s feet don’t freeze, why llamas are valuable to our existence and why we should care about cosmic rays and spider silk!  You will find out how pupils can engage with these context with the micro:bit to get them digitally active.  You will also find out how to access 15 free creative resources and how to make the most of the free CPD that supports these activities.

3.45pm: Evaluations and close

Primary Science Quality Mark

Primary Science Teaching Trust 

Whizz Pop Bang

CLEAPSS

Curiosity Box

Great Science Share for Schools

Viridor Recycling Centre

Space Store

Digit<all>

Artful Fox Books

Rosalind Franklin Institute

FAQs

1) What happens if I can’t make the event anymore?

We will refund you the cost of your booking, excluding the Eventbrite fee, if you let us know that you can no longer attend more than 7 days before the event.

Please note if you are a teacher who has booked a free place on the course, you will be charged a non-attendance fee equivalent to the price of the paid place if you do not cancel your booking at least 7 days before the event.

If you let us know within 7 days of the event, we can transfer your place to another teacher in your school.

2) What should I do if I made a mistake with my booking?

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] and we’ll help you rectify your booking.

3) My school is a member of Science Oxford. How do I book a free place?

Your school has been sent a promo code to claim one free place at checkout. If you haven’t received the promo code, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

Please note that we offer one free place for either the Oxfordshire or Buckinghamshire Primary Science Conference. If your school claimed its free teacher place at the Buckinghamshire Primary Science Conference in February, you will unfortunately not be able to claim another free place at the Oxfordshire Primary Science Conference. We welcome you to book your place at the standard price.

4) Will I be able to park at the Science Oxford Centre? 

There is limited parking at the Science Oxford Centre and we cannot guarantee a parking space on site. We will be in touch ahead of the event about parking arrangements on site and alternatives nearby. Please make us aware of any accessibility needs.