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Science in Action: Purposeful and Practical Primary Science
Led by Eleanor Atkinson, Dr Jo Montgomery & Dr Jon Chippindal
Overview
Practical Science is one of the most engaging aspects of the subject—but in primary classrooms, its purpose and impact can sometimes be unclear. This conference is designed to help primary science leaders bring greater clarity and focus to hands-on learning, ensuring that activities support meaningful scientific understanding.
Across a range of inspiring sessions, we’ll explore how to make practical work more purposeful, how to lead effective STEM and outdoor learning, and how emerging tools like AI can support teaching and learning in science. Whether
you’re looking to deepen your own practice or support colleagues across your school, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, clear strategies, and renewed confidence to lead high quality primary science.
DATE: Tuesday 27th January 2026
TIME: 09:30-15:30
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Coventry M6, Hinckley Road, Coventry, CV2 2HP
COST: £230 for non-subscribing schools
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BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
Schools who subscribe to the Gateway Alliance Early Years Network have 1 FREE place per subscription.
Costs will be incurred for additional places and for schools that do not subscribe. Please see our terms for details.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL
If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on 02476 347697 or email: info@gatewayalliance.co.uk
Eleanor Atkinson
Eleanor has a wealth of experience within primary science education, teaching, and leading science across the full primary age-range in both mainstream and SEND schools.
Currently working as an independent science consultant and award-winning Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching
Trust, she cascades learning by working with in-service teachers with Manchester University’s Science and Engineering Education and Research Innovation Hub and is the Regional Leader for PSQM in the Northwest and Northern Ireland.
Previous roles include writing for Pearsons Publishers to produce pupil and teacher guides for science, working with the BBC to evaluate primary science resources and more recently writing a chapter on promoting understanding through dialogue for the ASE flagship book, ‘A Guide to Primary Science Education’.
All roles, past and present, have the same theme – to support and facilitate improvement and a life-long enjoyment of science.
Dr Jo Montgomery
Dr Jo Montgomery is a teacher, trainer, scientist and education consultant: teaching children, developing teachers,
supporting scientists and inspiring minds. With more than 20 years’ experience in science education, Jo is a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) Hub Leader and Regional Lead for the East of England, a STEM Learning Lead facilitator, a Primary Science Capital Teaching Approach accredited trainer, Explorify champion, Great Science Share for Schools and SEERIH at The University of Manchester Consultant, as well as working on the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, CBeebies science gameshow Get Set Galactic and is recipient of the 2024 Royal Society of Chemistry Excellence in Education Prize. Jo is passionate about science and education, and loves bringing hands-on practical experiences to life.
Dr Jon Chippindal
Dr Jon Chippindal is co-founder and CEO of Teachmate. Jon has over a decade of experience as a primary school teacher and senior leader in Manchester, and leads the primary computing PGCE at The University of Manchester. Jon was formally Director of Computing at School – the subject association for computing education in he UK. Jon has written several books on digital teaching and learning, and has worked with schools globally to improve standards of education. Jon is committed to empowering educators to leverage the power of AI to both enhance learning and reduce workload.
