Biology can sometimes find itself in an unusual position within school science. Strong specialist teaching and good outcomes are rightly something to celebrate, but they can also mean biology is not always the first priority when schools are deciding where to focus limited CPD time and funding.
This November, we are giving biology the spotlight it deserves.
The National Biology Conference will bring together biology teachers, technicians and subject leaders for a day of professional learning, practical ideas and discussion about the future of biology education.
Delivered by STEM Learning in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) and Kew Wakehurst, and supported by CLEAPSS, Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS) at the University of Cambridge, the British Ecological Society and Earthwatch, the conference brings together expertise from across biology education.
Thinking about the future of biology
Alongside practical professional learning, the day will give you time to explore some of the bigger questions facing biology education.
What makes a great biology curriculum? What might a new biology curriculum look like? How do we make sure biology remains relevant and engaging for young people in different settings?
There will also be discussion around teaching biology in urban areas, including how we connect young people with ecology, biodiversity and the natural world when their experiences may be very different from those assumed by a traditional curriculum.
More than 15 workshops to choose from
With more than 15 workshops available, you can tailor the day to your own role, interests and professional development needs.
Kew Wakehurst will explore how plant biology can be used across the curriculum, including practical approaches to challenging concepts and ways to connect students with contemporary plant science. Sessions will also draw on research from the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Wakehurst, with links to biodiversity, conservation, genetics and STEM careers.
STEM Learning will offer sessions on developing disciplinary literacy in biology and cheap and cheerful practical biology, while CLEAPSS will focus on practical work with Biology practicals... with a twist.
SAPS at the University of Cambridge will explore areas including teaching microscopy using plants and teaching photosynthesis, while a hands-on Moss Safari will use microscopy to open up the wider world of biology.
The British Ecological Society will look at practical ecology that can be carried out on a budget, as well as approaches to fieldwork, while Earthwatch will explore Citizen Science: Green skills for the future, and that is only part of the programme.
A message of hope
The conference will also feature a keynote from Professor Becky Parker: A message of hope: supporting and empowering young people to have agency for their future. Through her work with Project Earth, Becky supports young people to act and innovate in response to the impacts of climate change. Her keynote will consider how we can help young people understand the challenges ahead while also recognising that they have a role in shaping their future.
For technicians as well as teachers
The National Biology Conference is very deliberately for technicians as well as teachers. Excellent practical biology relies on technician expertise. From preparation and safety to knowing which practicals work well in the real world, technicians play a vital role in bringing biology to life. Several workshops are designed for teachers and technicians together, giving both the opportunity to share ideas and develop their practice alongside one another.
Give biology some dedicated time
There is already excellent biology teaching happening across the country, but success should not mean the subject receives less attention. The National Biology Conference is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day pressures of school life, spend time focusing on biology and come away with new ideas, practical approaches and connections with colleagues from across the profession.
With more than 15 workshops to choose from, a keynote from Becky Parker and contributions from organisations across biology education, you can shape the day around the professional learning that matters most to you. Spaces are limited, so book your place now to avoid disappointment.
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