View from the Lab podcast

Ep 45. Encouraging underrepresented groups into STEM with Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon

Anne-Marie is a champion of underrepresented groups in STEM and co-founded Stemettes in 2013, a social enterprise supporting and advocating for more girls and young women non-binary people between 5-25 and to participate in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines.

In our conversation we hear about her love of maths and computing and her journey from school to receiving her masters in Maths and Computing from the University of Oxford at just age 20. She’s a published author of 2 books and has also been the resident maths expert on the well-loved UK quiz show Countdown. And if she wasn’t busy enough, she’s also the current President of the British Science Association! 

Ep 44. Teaching powerful ideas in science with Dr Jasper Green

In this episode of VFTL Andy Woods spoke to Dr Jasper Green. Jasper is currently an Associate Professor and Head of Initial Teacher Education at the Institute of Education at UCL in London. 

Jasper has had a significant impact on the world of science teaching in the numerous roles he has held in his distinguished career. He has been a science teacher, head of department, network lead for a large MAT, and an author of a recent book called ‘Powerful ideas in science and how to teach them’. He is the creator of the respected website- thescienceteacher.co.uk and not only that but he was also the science lead for Ofsted between 2020-2022. 

Ep 43. Pedagogical progress in science with Adam Robbins 

Join Andy Woods as he chats to Adam Robbins, an icon of progressive science pedagogy from the UK! 

Adam is a well-respected and knowledgeable practitioner, who for 20+ years has been committed to understanding how students learn most effectively, especially in science. He has held many different roles in schools, is a published author and is one of the founding members of the active science teaching group ‘cogscisci’. Adam regularly contributes thoughtful ideas to help teachers across the UK and beyond deliver our jam-packed science curriculum.

Ep 42. Strengthening the links between industry and STEM education with Dr Ajay Sharman

On this episode of the podcast Andy Woods talks to Dr Ajay Sharman.

Ajay is a science enthusiast who has spent much of the past 20 years building stronger connections between STEM education and STEM industry. He has had extensive experience in the bioscience sector working for several high-profile organisations but has also found time to support education in his role as a school governor, trustee, and STEM ambassador.

In our conversation we discuss Ajay’s route into science and discover how STEM learning actively promotes opportunities for young people particularly in areas of disadvantage across the country.

Ep 41. Where did everybody go? Recruiting and retaining more science teachers - with Dr Sarah Longshaw

In this episode of the View from the Lab podcast we're talking about the thorny issue of recruitment and retention of science teachers. Andy Woods’ guest is Sarah Longshaw from STEM learning. Sarah has deep experience of the education sector, with her 25 plus years in the classroom and has also supported schools and science teachers in her role as a trainer. In this episode we explore the many factors that could be affecting the perennial problem we seem to have in holding on to our science teachers In England. We talk through some facts and figures about the current scale of the problem, we discuss the causes, the effects, and possibly some solutions to address this current challenge which we face in our schools and colleges.

Ep 40. Bringing physics to life with Youtuber and author Kathy Joseph

Kathy Joseph is an author, educator and YouTube maverick who has a special interest in the history of science, especially physics. In this episode I talked to Kathy about her love for science and what inspired her to study it further at college before eventually becoming a high school physics teacher. Kathy has now had a change of direction by becoming an inspirational science communicator who focuses on the history of science with her YouTube channel ‘Kathy Loves Physics’. Her recent book 'The Lightning Tamers’ looks at the history of the changing understanding around electricity. We have a wide-ranging chat exploring the wonders of physics as well as Kathy’s thoughts on her recent ADHD diagnosis.

Ep 39. Exploring an alternative approach to practical science with entrepreneur Francis Jones

On today's episode, Andy Woods talks to young entrepreneur Francis Jones. Francis has been working on a new approach to support practical science for those students who have found it difficult to engage in mainstream education. Francis is a former science teacher who has taken what he has learned in schools and turned it into a solution that has widened access to science practicals. In this conversation, we hear how Francis’ company STEM@Home (www.stemathome.me/) is aiming to disrupt the science education system, by changing 'where, when, and how students carry out their practicals whilst also maximizing safety'.

Ep 38. Bringing cutting-edge science to the classroom with Dr Jo Foster

In this episode of the View from the lab podcast Andy Woods is joined by science advocate Dr Jo Foster. Jo is the director of an innovative STEM organization known by the acronym ‘IRIS’, which stands for... the Institute for Research in Schools. IRIS has a mission to make real-world, cutting-edge science research projects accessible to pupils from across the UK. In this episode we find out about Jo’s career journey and her passion for supporting an engaging science education for ALL young people. Jo also outlines how your school/college learners can start their own IRIS journey

Ep 37. Increasing the uptake of STEM courses by women – lessons from Denmark

Andy Woods talks to micro-economist Dr Hans Sievertsen from the School of Economics at the University of Bristol UK.

Hans has published research that reviewed data linked to assessment practices in Danish schools, and their effect on the uptake of STEM courses at the tertiary level. Dr Sievertsen found that one aspect of the assessment process had an unintentional but positive impact on girls’ probability of picking a STEM course at university. We delve into the details of the research and find out what the key conclusions were and whether we can make use of these findings in other educational settings. 

Ep 36. Exploring the future of science education. The FEDORA project - with Professor Sibel Erduran

The EU funded FEDORA project is looking at answering some very big questions in science education namely:  What knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values will today’s students need to thrive in and shape their world? In addition, we discuss how we can develop students into informed ‘citizens of science’ grappling with concepts in a world of fast paced change.  

Discover more:

https://www.education.ox.ac.uk

https://www.fedora-project.eu

https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/index_en

Physics education and history of physics — Physics and Astronomy “Augusto Righi” – DIFA (unibo.it) 

Ep 35. From science teacher to head teacher with Dr Mike Milner

In this episode I talk to Dr Mike Milner to discuss his journey from science teacher to head teacher at schools in the independent and state sectors.

We discover how Mike became the vice principal of the state school - Wellington Academy and find out how he led it from a ‘requires improvement’ Ofsted rating in 2014 to a ‘good’ rating in 2016,  before moving back to the independent sector at Reddam House School in Berkshire. 

Ep 34. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in science education - with Kaye Jones and Rebecca Durose-Croft

In this episode of the podcast, we’re discussing how to build a more ‘culturally responsive’ education with a spotlight on diversity, equity and inclusion within the science curriculum.

Andy Woods met up with Kaye Jones (AKA ‘the Herstorian) and Rebecca Durose-Croft from Westchester Education for an in-depth conversation. We look at the way things currently stand – specifically in science at GCSE level in terms of: ‘centrality and accuracy’, ‘perspectives and context’ and ‘sources of knowledge’.

We consider options for the future and discuss how things could be improved as we move towards a truly representative science education.

Ep 33. How to use virtual experiments to support traditional practical work - with Euan Douglas

In this episode of the pod Andy Woods catches up with innovative science teacher Euan Douglas, who teaches in the South of England. Euan is an advocate of supporting practical work with bespoke software and digital simulations to help support this aspect of the curriculum.

Euan has been experimenting for several years along with his colleagues at St Georges School, down in Southampton. Over this time, he has refined the optimal approach that really supports his science students. He's got lots of great advice to share and resources to highlight. So, don’t delay, just press play and you can benefit from Euan’s…view from the lab.

Ep 32: Supporting 'more able' students with Professor Niamh Stack

In this episode of the pod Andy Woods talks with the effervescent Psychologist, Professor Niamh Stack from University of Limerick. Niamh is a well-respected academic in the field of Developmental Psychology and has a particular research interest in how to support those students who are sometimes referred to as ‘more able’.

In our conversation we talk about the difference between some of the terms you may have heard in the education sphere, including ‘more able’, ‘gifted’ or ‘talented’ or simply high attaining students. How should these students be supported in schools? And what can science teachers do to help them make the most of their tenure in full time education.

Ep 31: Teaching Science at Eton College - with Dan Townley

In this conversation Andy Woods catches up with Dan Townley, Head of Science at the world-famous Eton College in the UK. As you may already know Eton has educated no fewer than 20 UK prime ministers!

In our conversation we cover a smorgasbord of educational topics linked to science teaching which included … reflections from the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges of getting students to engage with teacher feedback and find out about the work Eton has been doing in supporting the formation of new 6th form colleges, with the Star Academies chain in 3 new areas of England. And last but not least, finding out whether ‘Eton-mess’ really is on the menu at the school!

Ep 30: Early career teacher series - the last one! With Vicky Hilditch

So, we’ve now made it to the final episode of the ‘early career teacher series’!

In this last instalment Andy Woods talks to Vicky Hilditch about how she found the final few weeks of summer term 2022 and reviews the year as a whole. Vicky’s already thinking ahead to her next year of teaching and how she can improve and build on her experience so far. Many thanks to Vicky who has allowed us to join her on the 1st year of her ECT journey. 

Ep 29: Science teacher turned rapper and entrepreneur - Matt Green   

On the podcast this time Andy Woods talks to a former science teacher, turned entrepreneur and science rapper - Matt Green.

We take a deep dive into Matt’s approach to his innovative and engaging content which has inspired students across the net. We hear about his experience working in a North London school before changing direction and turning his hand to his online content. Innovative, fresh and enthusiastic; Matt has the science world at his feet.

Keep an eye out - this guy’s going global!

Ep 28: Let's all go on a moss safari! - with Dr Andy Grevatt   

Friend of the pod Dr Andy Grevatt (University of Brighton, UK) returns to take us on a voyage of discovery - through the wonderful world of moss!

Find out how he has developed an ingenious way to bring life to a part of biology that is all around us but usually ignored. In our conversation we find out how it all started, what you can find out and most importantly how you can carry out your own ‘safari’ with your students. Don’t delay – it's time to press play!

For full details check out the moss safari web page here.

Ep 27: Early Career Teacher series episode 4 with Vicky Hilditch   

In this episode we continue our early career teacher series with new science teacher Vicky Hilditch.

For this recording I caught up with Vicky just before May half term 2022. Vicky was busy as always; the external exams had just started, and the summer break is on the horizon.

In this episode we find out what she's been up to and how she’s feeling as the end of the academic year approaches.

Ep 26: Award winning science teaching with Ollie Stewart from The Whitehaven Academy

In this episode of the podcast, Andy Woods catches up with Early Career Teacher - Oliver Stewart an award-winning teacher who works in a comprehensive school in Whitehaven, Cumbria (UK).

Ollie won a ‘Golden Apple Award’ back in 2021 for his inspirational approach to science teaching. In this episode we talk about the challenges of making abstract scientific ideas relevant to our young learners and discuss strategies to engage the great variety of pupils who enter our classes from their different starting points.

I hope you can join me on this episode and be inspired!

Ep 25: Making practical science count with Simon Quinnell

View from the Lab returns with a refreshing episode focused on practical science. How can we make this lynchpin of a great science education have the greatest impact? Andy Woods talks to chair of the ASE in 2021 and all-round practical enthusiast Simon Quinell (@Quinnell75).

We delve into his wide-ranging experience in supporting teachers and science technicians in his role or as curriculum lead for the science PGCE course at the University of York (@yorksciencePGCE).

Could this be the most practical episode yet?

Ep 24: Tackling misconceptions in the science classroom with Dr Niki Kaiser

In this episode of the pod Dr Niki Kaiser joins Andy Woods to talk about the perennial problem of misconceptions in the science classroom.

Niki is a science teacher at the Norwich research school and has previously worked closely with the EEF developing their ‘RADAAR’ resources to help identify, challenge, and solve common problems that students face when learning science.

Ep 23: Bringing a passion for DNA to the primary sector with scientist and author - Dr Amanda Hartley

In this episode Andy Woods talks to DNA expert Dr Amanda Hartley (@LittlestoryCo). Mandy has had a wealth of practical experience in the science of DNA across many sectors. In our conversation we talk about her passion for this fascinating area of biology and her commitment to bring this area of science alive for primary school children, with her innovative school workshops.

In addition, we also hear about Mandy’s mission to set up more ‘real world’ labs that school age students can visit and experience cutting edge science equipment. And last, but not least we hear how Mandy’s literary creations - the DNA detectives were born!

Ep 22: Early career teacher series (episode 3)

In this episode of ‘View from the lab’ our host Andy Woods catches up with Early Career Teacher (ECT) Vicky Hilditch – just before February half term, to see how things are going in her school.

We talk about the continued challenges of staffing as COVID absences increase and how her students are feeling about this year’s summer exams. 

Ep 21: Cognitive science in the classroom. A review of the evidence with Dr Tom Perry

In this episode Andy Woods talks to educational researcher from the University of Warwick Dr Tom Perry (Twitter @TWPerry1). In 2021 Tom led a team of researchers funded by the EEF to carry out a systematic review of the current research evidence of cognitive science strategies and their effectiveness in the classroom. In this episode we discuss the evidence of many popular techniques used in schools today including spaced practice, interleaving and embodied learning amongst others.

This is a deep dive into Tom and his team’s work and is a fascinating insight into the way educational researchers gather evidence and make their judgements.

Ep 20: From science teacher to YouTube extraordinaire with Primrose Kitten

In episode 20 of 'view from the lab', Andy Woods finds out how YouTube pioneer, Primrose Kitten, built her ever popular science education channel (from scratch!).

We talk about her love of all thing’s science and maths and how her career journey took her from her early work in cancer research, to science teaching in London and onto educating the nation’s students with her prolific and engaging digital output. 

Ep 19: Early Career Teacher mini series #2 - Vicky Hilditch's autumn 2021 review

Andy Woods catches up with Early Career Teacher (ECT) Vicky Hilditch to have a chat about how things are going in her 1st ‘full-on’ (!) year of science teaching.

We discuss how the autumn term has gone, what she has learned and the challenges that may lie ahead in 2022!
Find out more about our Mocks Marking Service, as mentioned in the podcast

Ep 18: Seven ways to optimise your learning environment with Dr Katherine Forsey

In this episode Andy Woods delves into what makes a positive difference to our learning environments and their impact on our students.Dr Katherine Forsey (@drBiol) has wide ranging experience in outdoor education and works at the interface between school science and STEM based industries.In this episode we discover how Katherine’s career in science education has evolved after she finished her PhD at the University of York. Katherine then describes and explains the 7 important factors (based on research by Professor Stephen Heppell) in which schools can optimise their spaces to support learning.

Ep 17: Exploring the challenges of tertiary science transition with Professor David Read

In this jam-packed episode of the podcast I talk with Professor David Read (Professional Fellow in Chemical Education at the University of Southampton).

David is an expert in supporting students in their transition from 6th form, to university courses, specifically in chemistry. He has a keen interest in innovative pedagogy techniques and is often in the vanguard for integrating new tech into the courses he teaches. We delve into the pros and cons of different teaching approaches and explore what lessons can be learned from everyone’s enforced ‘lock-down learning’ experience due to COVID -19.

I hope you can take time out of your busy day to listen to David’s ‘View from the Lab’.

Ep 16: Early career teacher series with Vicky Hilditch #1 October half term

In this mini series within 'view from the lab'. I will be catching up with Vicky Hilditch who is an early career science teacher based in northwest England.

I will be dropping in for a quick conversation with Vicki at the end of every half term to see how things are progressing and how she's finding her new career. I hope you'll join me on her journey throughout the 2021 to 2022 academic year. For the 1st episode I caught up with her at the end of October to see how the start of the year had gone. So, without further ado let's hear Vicky's 'view from in the lab'.

Ep 15: Engaging learners with the right learning tech with Kit Betts-Masters a.k.a Gorilla Physics!

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods catches up with the mighty Kit Betts-Masters, a.k.a ‘Gorilla physics’. You may know him from his YouTube channel and his prolific video output which supports physics students both in the UK and across the globe.

We explore key lessons learned from the challenges brought by teaching during the pandemic, and the importance of using the right technology at the right time, to maximise its impact on our learners. We discuss active learning techniques and many more topics besides, too many to list here!

Ep 14: STEM career focus: Working in conservation with Dr Rutendo Shackleton

We're putting a spotlight on STEM careers in this episode of the podcast, and talking to inspirational young conservationist Dr Rutendo Shackleton.

Tendo is a scientist based at Chester Zoo and her main focus is the study of elephant behaviour and welfare. During her time at the zoo she has been involved with some ground breaking research on how best to look after elephants in captivity, which we discuss in this episode.

Tendo has had an interesting educational journey to get where she is today, and we dig into her story so far and the challenges she's faced along the way. It's now time to press play, so you can hear her - 'view from the lab'.

Ep 13: Teaching Science in England's 'strictest school' with Pritesh Raichura

In episode 13 of the podcast, Andy talks to Pritesh Raichura - Head of Science at the world-famous Michaela school in North London, sometimes referred to as England's 'strictest school'.

We delve into what makes the culture at Michaela unique, and Pritesh explains how it enables their students to make astonishing progress during their time there. He talks through their approach to learning and how the teachers work collaboratively to produce consistently excellent lessons. Make time in your schedule to listen to Pritesh's informative 'view from the lab'.

Ep 12: The "BEST" resources for science teaching with Alistair Moore

In this episode Andy Woods talks to educational researcher Alistair Moore (@amUSEG) who works at the University of York in the Science Education Group (@UYSEG). He is one of the principal researchers on the "Best Evidence Science Teaching" project; better known simply as "BEST". This important project (funded by @Salters_Inst) is making hundreds of research-informed diagnostic questions and follow-up activities freely available to teachers, and also spawned the ASE’s (@theASE) free "BEST steps” resources. 

In our conversation, we delve into how projects such as BEST are transforming research evidence into free resources, to help teachers develop research-informed practices in their classrooms.

Ep 11: Celebrating young women in STEM with science ezine editor Lilly Denny

In this episode of the podcast Andy Woods talks to an inspirational young woman Lilly Denny, who has set up the vibrant new ezine "Stemmed". Spurred on by the aim of sharing better advice and support for STEM careers than she did growing up as a young person; Lilly has with the help of her international volunteers produced a vibrant and informative ezine, which can be accessed across the globe! Find out how she did it and what her plans are for the ezine in the future, in episode 11 of View from the lab.

Ep 10: Supporting low attainers in an all boys school with Adam Higgins

In this episode Andy Woods talks to Adam Higgins, a science teacher who works at The Royal Liberty School, an all boys comprehensive school in Essex. The focus of our discussion is low attainers, and how best to support them in the classroom. Adam has some fantastic strategies that are both efficient and practical. Press play to find out more!