Bookings are open for all three termly meetings of the SEERIH GM Open Primary Science Subject Leader Regional Network 2026-2027.

Please note that this Network is open to all schools in Wigan and those that are inegible in their local Network. Please email fascinate@manchester.ac.uk if you are unsure which Network to join.

SEERIH, at The University of Manchester, is a specialist hub which supports teacher development.

To facilitate forward planning in schools, all three meetings are open to book now. Please book tickets for the sessions you are able to attend. We encourage teachers attend all sessions wherever possible, in order to get the most out of the experience.

The network welcomes new and established primary science subject leaders of all experience levels to:

share and improve practice

speak with other subject leaders in your region about the issues that are affecting each of you.

engage in expert-led professional development inputs to support you with up-to-date issues, skills and resources.

Attending these termly networks is an interactive and practical way to help you to:

tackle the issues in your school's science curriculum

support you in your role as a leader

raise the profile of science

improve the outcomes for your pupils.

Expectations of attending the network include engaging with pre-course tasks/reading and submitting your response to a gap task. This is a compulsory element of the network to ensure the CPD is meaningful and impactful.

Your timetable:

Autumn term meeting: 4 November 2026, 13:00-16:00

Every Child a Scientist: Inclusion and SEND in Primary Science

How can we make primary science truly inclusive for all learners? In this SEERIH-led network session, we will explore practical approaches to supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a strong focus on inclusive teaching that enables every child to participate and succeed.

We will cover:

What inclusive science looks like in practice and how to remove common barriers

Adapting enquiries, resources and classroom talk to support a wide range of needs

Supporting vocabulary, communication and engagement in science

Maintaining high expectations while meeting diverse learning needs

You will also have the chance to share ideas with colleagues and leave with simple, effective strategies to take straight back to your classroom.

Suitable for subject leaders, class teachers and anyone interested in inclusive primary science.

Spring term meeting: 3 March 2027, 13:00-16:00

Measuring What Matters: Assessment in Primary Science

What does effective assessment in primary science look like? In this SEERIH-led network session, we will explore key principles of assessment that support high-quality teaching and meaningful learning in science.

We will cover:

The purpose of assessment in primary science and what we should (and shouldn’t) be assessing

Approaches to assessing both substantive knowledge and working scientifically

Practical strategies for formative assessment in the classroom

Using assessment to inform teaching without creating unnecessary workload

You will also have the opportunity to share practice with colleagues and reflect on your current approach, leaving with clear, manageable strategies to strengthen assessment in your setting.

Suitable for subject leaders, class teachers and anyone interested in developing effective primary science assessment.

Summer term meeting: 23 June 2027, 13:00-16:00

The Power of Talk: Oracy for Deeper Learning in Science

How can we use talk to deepen thinking and understanding in primary science? In this SEERIH-led network session, we will explore the role of oracy in developing pupils’ scientific knowledge, reasoning and confidence.

We will cover:

The importance of talk in learning science and supporting all learners

Strategies to develop high-quality classroom dialogue and purposeful discussion

Supporting pupils to use scientific vocabulary accurately and confidently

Practical approaches to embedding oracy within enquiries and everyday teaching

You will also have the opportunity to share ideas with colleagues and reflect on your current practice, leaving with simple, effective strategies to enhance oracy in your science curriculum.

Suitable for subject leaders, class teachers and anyone interested in developing oracy in primary science.

Description supplied by the event organiser.