STEM Community Live - On Demand

Introducing STEM Community Live

These free, live, interactive sessions cover a wide range of topics, including awareness days, industry engagement, and training/CPD opportunities. Some sessions are designed specifically for educators and some for STEM Ambassadors - but everyone is welcome to join any session that piques their interest!

This is a repository for all of the STEM Community Live sessions - Hence the On Demand! :-D 

STEM Community Live AI Sprints S2 E8: ‘Talking about AI’ - the role of oracy

In this STEM Community Live: AI Sprints session, Alex More, AI Lead at STEM Learning, is joined by Amy Howe from Voice 21, alongside teachers and leaders from Cornerstone Academy Trust and Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, to explore how oracy can support meaningful conversations about artificial intelligence.

The session focuses on Talking about AI, a new collaboration between STEM Learning and Voice 21, designed to help learners discuss AI, develop critical thinking and build confidence through structured talk.

The panel shares classroom experiences using the What is real? and Can we trust AI? booklets across key stages 1, 2 and 3, including pupil responses to AI-generated images, deepfakes, hallucinations, bias, trust, homework and responsible AI use.

Amy Howe also introduces the Voice 21 Oracy Framework and how it can help pupils articulate ideas, listen to others, challenge misconceptions and take part in high-quality discussion.

Access the STEM Learning AI offer:
https://www.stem.org.uk/artificial-intelligence

Explore the Talking about AI resources:
https://community.stem.org.uk/blogs/shameel-khan/2026/04/20/what-can-oracy-and-ai-do-for-education

Find out more about Voice 21:
https://membership-hub.voice21.org/register-interest-for-2026

STEM Community Live AI Sprints S2 E7: Getting Creative with AI for STEM, Art and D&T Teachers

In AI Sprints Season 2, Episode 7, Alex More is joined by Trudi Barrow and Aaron Patching for a practical session on creative AI use in Art, STEM and D&T. The discussion focuses on using AI to support, not replace, creativity, with human agency, creative fidelity and intentional tool choice at the centre.

Through live “tool stacking”, Trudi and Aaron move from hand sketching to AI rendering, video generation and portfolio presentation using tools such as NewArc, Gemini and Canva. They show how AI can help students visualise ideas, test materials, iterate designs and build confidence.

The session also explores AI slop, intellectual property, design fixation and the risk of generic outputs, before closing with classroom examples and new STEM Learning and Voice 21 resources on talking to learners about AI.

STEM Community Live AI Sprints S2 E6: Working with Agents: Practical, real-world impact.

In AI Sprints Season 2, Episode 6, host Alex More leads a global discussion on the rise of AI agents and what they could mean for education. Guests Olivia de Hare from Aria and Brain Freeze, Matthew Wemyss from Cambridge School of Bucharest, and Anthony Lees from Marpool Primary School and Cornerstone Academy explore the shift from chatbots that talk to agents that can act, complete tasks and work in teams. The session also highlights new STEM Learning and Voice 21 resources on oracy and AI.

The panel examines how agents are already helping with repetitive tasks, planning, data handling and workflow automation, while also reflecting on the language we use to describe them and the risks of over-humanising the technology. Anthony shares insights from the South West RISE digital skills and AI hub, Matthew discusses secondary and international use cases including personalised revision and admin efficiencies, and the episode includes a Brain Freeze demo showing agents for lesson planning, behaviour support and worksheet creation. The session closes by urging school leaders to be clear about the problems they want AI to solve, to deploy it safely, and to think carefully about what it means for students when adults increasingly delegate work to AI.

STEM Community Live AI Sprints Season 2 E5 - The environmental impact of AI

What is the environmental impact of AI and what does that mean for education? In this episode of AI Sprints, Alex More is joined by Rita Bateson, Stephen Taylor and Mark Langley to explore AI through four critical domains: energy, water, materials and land. Framed by the ideas of ‘red’ and ‘green’ AI from Schwartz et al. (2019) and Hlabisa (2025), the discussion examines data centres, sustainability, eco anxiety and how educators can help students engage critically and hopefully with this fast-moving technology.

Resources and links:
Green AI by Schwartz, R., Dodge, J., Smith, N.A. and Etzioni, O. (2019): https://arxiv.org/abs/1907.10597
The ecology of artificial intelligence by Hlabisa, S. (2025): https://doi.org/10.1007/s44438-025-00018-8
Stephen Taylor’s If You Use Me AI environmental impacts resource: https://ifyouuseme.ai/environmental-impacts
Rita Bateson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-bateson-frsa-8741b868/
Alex More’s blog on the four critical domains: https://open.substack.com/pub/alexmore/p/thirsty-work?r=2e5jme&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

STEM Community Live AI Sprints Season 2 E4 - AI Assessment and Practices: a focus on impact

In AI Sprints Season 2, Episode 4, host Alex More reflects on the growth of the series, including the live AI Sprints at Bett, before diving into assessment and feedback in light of the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR). Guests Julie Carson from Woodland Academy Trust and Christian Turton from Chilton Learning Trust explore what “evolution, not revolution” means for exams, coursework, KS2 writing, Year 8 diagnostics and SEND support, while questioning whether exams are truly more defensible in an AI era.

The discussion focuses on protecting academic integrity without creating a culture of suspicion. Key themes include setting clear expectations for AI use, avoiding unreliable AI detectors and their bias risks, and redesigning homework to be more meaningful and oracy focused. Julie shares inclusive classroom examples such as using Mizou to support dialogue and writing, while Christian highlights the importance of digital metacognition so learners understand when they are offloading thinking versus outsourcing it.

The episode also features a demo from ExAim, an AI supported exam preparation platform, and insights from Woodland’s trust wide AI co planning project, including culture shift, safeguarding protocols and the benefits of a tight approved tools ecosystem. Christian provides an update on the DfE AI training modules and upcoming revisions. The session closes with a preview of the next episode on the environmental impact of AI and signposts to STEM Learning CPD on AI and ethics.

In this episode of STEM Community Live, Tim Bradbury is joined by Jesse Soohyun Park from Samsung and Becky Patel from Tech She Can to explore diversity in STEM, breaking down barriers into tech, and the future skills young people need. The discussion focuses on Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, a free tech-for-good programme for 11–18-year-olds, and how it supports schools to connect learning with real-world impact.

Key topics include: diversity and inclusion in tech, barriers to tech careers, early and cross-curricular engagement, Solve for Tomorrow’s themes (Smarter Sport, Greener Futures, Safer Online), and essential future skills like creativity, resilience, and critical thinking.

Check out the blog here: https://community.stem.org.uk/blogs/tim-bradbury1/2026/01/16/samsung-solve-for-tomorrow-breaking-barriers-in-st

STEM Community Live AI Sprints Season2 E3 - Assessment and Feedback

In AI Sprints (Season 2, Episode 3), host Alex More is joined by Emma Darcy (Director of Technology for Learning, Denbigh High School / Apps for Good trustee) and Mark Anderson (ICT Evangelist, Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching) to explore what the Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) means for AI, digital skills and assessment in UK schools. They discuss where AI should “live” in the curriculum, why AI literacy must go beyond computing, and how subjects like English, geography, RE and citizenship can address bias, climate impact, ethics and critical thinking.

The conversation then turns to assessment and feedback, challenging the assumption that AI use equals cheating. Emma and Mark share how schools can teach responsible, critical use of AI, support SEND and EAL learners, and help pupils question AI outputs rather than accept them at face value. They also cover student voice, digital inequality and the risk of a “dialogue divide”, plus examples of project-based approaches like Apps for Good and trust-level pilots that reduced planning time and increased engagement.

The episode includes a short Teachmate 2.0 demo and an announcement of live AI Sprints at Bett, alongside signposts to further CPD on AI and ethics.

STEM Community Live AI Sprints Season2 E2: Oracy, The Digital Divide and AI Equity.

Join host Alex for AI Sprints Season 2, Episode 2 as he’s joined by Dr Kate Paradine (CEO, Voice 21) and Daniel Emmerson (Executive Director, Good Future Foundation) to unpack what the new Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR) really means for schools. Together they explore how oracy and digital literacy are now being positioned as foundational life skills alongside reading and writing, and what that looks like in real classrooms. Expect practical examples of talk-rich practice, strategies for helping students interrogate AI outputs, and honest reflections on power, agency and student voice in an AI mediated world.

The conversation also digs into digital poverty and AI inequity, how to stop the digital divide becoming a dialogue divide, and why young people need space for difficult conversations about algorithms, grooming and synthetic intimacy. Daniel shares how the Good Future Foundation’s AI Quality Mark is helping schools adopt AI responsibly, while Kate shows how Voice 21’s work can help embed oracy as a golden thread through school life. Perfect for teachers, leaders and anyone trying to balance human flourishing with fast moving AI tools.

STEM Community Live AI Sprints Season2 E1: STEM, AI and Metacognition

Kick off Season 2 of AI Sprints with host Alex and two heavyweights in education: Tom Sherrington (Teaching WalkThrus) and Joe Jackson-Taylor (Deputy Head, ResearchEd lead). Building on Season 1’s themes (bias, hallucinations, offloading, and oracy), this episode digs into what AI means for real classrooms right now: the uniquely human value of teachers, cognitive empathy, and how to use AI without outsourcing pupils’ thinking. Expect practical discussion on responsive teaching, diagnostic questions, formative assessment, retrieval practice, and the risks of “cognitive debt” if students lean on AI before thinking for themselves. 

You’ll also hear reflections on equitable access and teacher decision-making, plus a quick demo of BrainFreeze’s AI platform for schools. It’s an honest, fast-paced conversation packed with takeaways you can try tomorrow—helping you harness AI to reduce workload, deepen learning, and keep the human at the heart of teaching.

STEM Community Live AI Sprints TAKEOVER Session 5: Practical ideas, case studies and research

For the final AI Sprint of Season 1 We’re bringing you two guests who are using AI to transform teaching and learning: 

John Dolman – English teacher sharing how AI-marked, self-reviewed student work is reshaping feedback culture

David Curran – SEND specialist using MindJoy Bots to empower learners with pace, confidence and voice

Your host: Alex More – Researcher exploring how young people engage with AI and express their student voice

STEM Community Live: Incorporating BBC Bitesize into your learning and teaching 

In this session we take a closer look at the latest developments in BBC Bitesize and how they can support teaching and learning across your classroom. 

We’re be joined by:

Emma Till – Digital Producer at the BBC, leading work on Bitesize and Bitesize for Teachers (formerly BBC Teach)

Neil Dixon – Secondary Science teacher, education consultant and Bitesize contributing author

Kate Goodjohn - BBC Bitesize Assistant Producer for Primary STEM

Together, they’ll share: What’s new on BBC Bitesize How it supports planning and delivery Ways to use it for consolidation, revision and catch-up Insights on how teachers are already embedding Bitesize into their lessons

STEM Community Live AI SPRINTS TAKEOVER: Session 4 - AI: Ethics and Policy

In this session, we’re exploring some of the most important and thought-provoking questions about artificial intelligence in education: 

Can AI ever really care?

Is AI truly neutral?

How can teachers promote equity in an AI-powered world?

Whose voices are missing in AI development?

Who holds the agency – humans or the algorithms?

Joining the discussion are two brilliant and challenging voices in education and technology: Bukky Yusuf and Al Kingsley MBE. Expect an honest, fast-paced and interactive conversation packed with insight, experience and practical reflections for educators.

STEM Community Live Q&A - Farmer Time!

Join us for a dynamic STEM Community Live Q&A with Farmer Tom and Farmer Anne to explore how farming and sustainability can enrich primary and secondary science education. Discover engaging ways to connect pupils with real-world STEM, from food origins and climate change to agri-tech careers, and learn how educators and STEM Ambassadors can collaborate to bring science to life.

STEM Community Live AI SPRINTS TAKEOVER: Session 3 - AI: Thinking with care

In this episode Alex more is joined by Laura Knight and Jon Chippindall to discuss how we can safely incorporate AI into education. 

AI has the potential to support deeper thinking and reasoning skills, but how do we ensure its use is aligned with good pedagogical principles? This session will discuss how educators can thoroughly integrate AI while maintaining a human-centred approach to learning.

STEM Community Live AI SPRINTS TAKEOVER: Session 2 - AI in assessment

Assessment is a crucial area where AI is making a significant impact. In this session Daisy Christodoulou, a leading voice in education assessment and Lord Jim Knight, an advocate for education reform, discuss how AI-driven assessments are shaping the future of learning and evaluation.

For more information on the series and for related CPD pop over to: https://www.stem.org.uk/digital-and-ai-courses

STEM Community Live AI SPRINTS TAKEOVER: Session 1 - AI in the fast lane

The AI Sprints pilot launched this week with guests Priya Lakhani OBE and Darren Coxon diving into AI in the fast lane.

AI Sprints is a new series of fast-paced chats and live demos putting students and teachers front and centre. This week’s pilot tested new streaming software, and while there were early sound issues and access problems, we appreciate your patience as we iron things out.

The conversation was rich with insight. Darren discussed AI product launches from OpenAI and Google, hinting at the early signs of AGI. Priya championed the importance of oracy and including young voices in AI discussions.

Darren demoed two AI tools—Gamma.app and Quizizz—showing how teachers can use them to reduce workload, especially for ECTs, ITTs, or for cover lessons when time is tight.

Priya’s core message: you can’t afford to ignore AI. Doing things the same way won’t bring new results. It’s time to embrace innovation—the future won’t wait, and neither should we.

For more information on the series and for related CPD pop over to: https://www.stem.org.uk/digital-and-ai-courses

STEM Community Live: Session 4
This interactive STEM Community Live session will focus on how AI can be used to refine lesson planning, anticipate misconceptions, and enhance teaching effectiveness. Mark, an award-winning blogger and author of The EdTech Playbook, will lead the discussion, sharing insights from his new practical guide, Refining Lesson Planning with AI. Joining him is Alex, a School Leader, Teacher, AI Researcher, and Educational Consultant, who contributes perspectives on AI’s broader role in education.

Links from presentation: 

The EdTech Playbook - https://bit.ly/EdTechPlaybook 
AI Almanac 2025 - https://bit.ly/aialmanac2025 
Refining lesson planning with AI - practical guide - bit.ly/aiforlessonplanning 
The Future of AI in Education: 13 Things We Can Do to Minimize the Damage - https://bit.ly/paperonai 
Exploring the potential of LLM to enhance teaching plans through teaching simulation - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-025-00300-x 
Little book of Generative AI prompts for teachers - bit.ly/littlebookofgenerativeaiprompts 
Little book of Generative AI prompts for Senior Leaders - https://bit.ly/littlebookforslt 
Little book of Generative AI prompts for Support Staff - https://amzn.to/4iPuz7C 

STEM Community Live Q&A: Linda & Kate talk British Science Week

Your chance to ask our seconded teachers, Kate Sutton and Linda Crouch anything—with a focus on preparing for and running British Science Week activities in schools. Whether you're an educator or a STEM Ambassador, this session is for you!

STEM Community Live: Session 3

In this session Tim Bradbury is joined by two inspiring leaders in the field of AI In education:

Alex More – School Leader, Teacher, and Education Consultant

Cihan Ozalevli – Chief Learning Officer & Co-Founder at Twin Science & Robotics

We Explore:

  1. Real-World Classroom Impact – How are teachers effectively using AI in the classroom today?
  2. 2. Opportunities & Challenges – What are the biggest risks and potential uses of this powerful technology?
  3. Thinking with Care – How can we teach students to approach AI thoughtfully and responsibly?
  4. Live Q&A – Get your questions answered live by our experts.

STEM Community Live: Session 2

Tim is joined by Dr. Hilary Levers, CEO of EngineeringUK and Severine Trouillet, CEO of STEM Learning

In this session, we’ll discuss:

  • Women and girls in engineering and the gender disparity in engineering careers
  • How you can get involved in Tomorrow's Engineers Week, along with FREE classroom resources across STEM subjects (including quick wins you can use right away!)
  • The importance of integrating career insights into education and the support available to help you do so

STEM Community Live: Session 1

In this session Nathan Burns (aka Mr Metacognition) talks us through the What? Why? and How? of metacognition and how we can implement it in our lessons.