Dear colleague,
We hope the first newletter of 2021 finds you well. As it continues to be a difficult time, we wanted to emphasise that we are here to listen should you have any further ideas for how we can support you.
Our winter series of teacher sessions follows on from the Autumn series that ran Oct-Dec and the initial Spring sessions in 2020. We are always striving to improve our service so would appreciate a few minutes of your time to give us some feedback on the format, delivery and topics of these sessions (whether you attended or not). Please click here to provide feedback, alternatively feel free to get in touch via email.
Keep an eye on our Twitter for regular updates: @RSC_NorthEng and @Katayune.
Kind regards,
Stephanie and Kat
For teachers
RSC winter online series for teacher professional learning
Join us for the latest set of live online support sessions brought to you by the Royal Society of Chemistry education coordinators. There are lots of different topics to choose from in these interactive sessions that aim to support you with new ideas and resources for remote teaching.
SEE THE TIMETABLE AND BOOK HERE
Supporting NQT teachers with 7 simple rules
A series of sessions run by different experienced teachers/trainers especially for NQTs. Each week will look at a different rule and you will learn useful hints and tips about what works well in the classroom and the ‘what I wish I knew when I was NQT examples. Wednesdays 4 pm from 20 January. You can attend all or some of the sessions.
Balancing equations CPD - Why do students find balancing equations so difficult? A research informed perspective
Tuesday 19 January, 6 – 7pm, Online
Kristy Turner, Bolton School & University of Manchester, will be repeating the session she delivered at ASE conference 2021 on balancing equations. Balancing equations is a key skill for novice learners in chemistry but it can be frustrating for both students and teachers. In this presentation we will look at the background to chemical equations, what methods are used in classrooms for teaching and what the research says about this skill. Kristy will share insights from her ongoing research which includes investigation of the factors that make equations difficult to balance for students and how the skill is affected by the long summer holiday.
Support for online teaching
In the meantime we continue to update our online teaching support collection of articles. There are lots of ideas and resources to explore for anyone teaching remotely or in the classroom. This showcases a collection of videos on approaches to remote teaching that include How to make effective use of pre-recorded lessons, How to run a quiz for distance learning and How to use a slide show for a live lesson.
Other RSC online professional development
Our on-demand online teacher PD courses will remain freely accessible to all customers until at least 31 March 2021. Our live online sessions with teacher developers sessions are continuing this year with analytical and carbon chemistry being covered in January.
Develop your leadership skills - mentoring scheme for secondary Heads of Science/Chemistry – limited places
Are you a Head of Science and/or Chemistry who is seeking to enhance your leadership skills? The Royal Society of Chemistry is expanding its successful mentoring scheme to establish collaborative relationships between Heads of Science/Chemistry and industry colleagues with comparable responsibilities. You will explore aspects of leadership and apply reflections on leadership to your own school’s context, which could ultimately contribute to improved teaching and learning outcomes. Limited spaces available, priority will be given for teachers working in schools with >25% students eligible for Free School Meals. Apply by 28 January 2021.
Or you can email Katie Nuttall.
For students
Science competitions in 2020/2021
Science competitions help engage students and build on their skills. If you are looking for competitions to enter your students into, then we have put togehter some examples for you. Wether it’s to help teamworking skills or look for inspiration for your lessons or science clubs, there is plenty on offer.
Molecule Zone: Engage your classes with chemistry through I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here is running the Molecule Zone in March 2021, part-funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Connect your students 1-to-1 with working chemists from a diverse range of backgrounds and specialisms. Students will:
- Ask working chemists their questions
- Connect with them through live text-based chats
- Vote for their favourite chemist to win £500!
There are loads of benefits to taking part. Students can:
- Gain confidence by asking questions
- Learn more about chemistry’s uses outside of the classroom
- Meet working chemists and discover career paths they may have never considered
- See chemistry as something that’s ‘for them’
Zones run for up to 4 weeks. Take part at a time that suits you and your classes.
I’m a Scientist Zones are accessible from school or at home - all you need is a computer or tablet and a wi-fi connection.
If you have any other questions, please get in touch.
I just wanted to say the Chat was BRILLIANT. There were some great questions and answers. Thank you!Teacher, autumn 2020.
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