The STANSW 2025 Virtual Forum: Excelling Science across NSW is a professional learning series accessible to all science teachers across NSW. It is in a virtual format designed with regional and remote science teachers in mind. Spread over four flexible online sessions in September, this forum supports K–10 and Stage 6 educators with a strong focus on the new NSW Science syllabuses.

Join us at the Virtual Forum for:

• Accessible, high-quality professional learning for NSW science teachers.
• A diverse mix of workshop highlights from STANSW’s K–10 and Secondary Conferences in a virtual format, alongside new contributions from regional presenters.
• Guidance on science syllabus changes through sessions on pedagogy, assessment, practical investigations, depth studies, content progression, and working scientifically skills.

Virtual Forum Day 1 Secondary, Tuesday 2 September, 11am – 1pm

Attend your chosen session in each block, and get access to the other recordings on-demand!

Program

Block 1: 11am – 11.40am

• You Don’t Have to Be Einstein: Teaching Physics Without the Panic (Stage 4/5/6), presented by Sue Farroukh, Marist College Eastwood

This interactive virtual workshop is perfect for teachers who are new to teaching or teaching out-of-field and want to build confidence with Stage 4 and 5 Physics content. We’ll unpack key concepts like forces, energy, waves, and light using demonstrations, classroom strategies, and simple materials you can access from home or school. You’ll gain practical ideas, resources, and tips for tackling common student misconceptions—all designed to make Physics feel less intimidating and more approachable. Physics doesn’t have to be scary—and you don’t have to teach it alone! Sue Farroukh is an experienced Physics educator with over 15 years of classroom teaching. She currently teaches at Marist College Eastwood and serves as the HSC Physics Specialist for all Sydney Catholic Schools, supporting teachers across 37 secondary schools. In 2024, she was one of only two Australian teachers selected to attend CERN’s prestigious High School Teacher Programme. Sue is also a seasoned HSC Physics marker and regular conference presenter, known for sharing hands-on strategies to build understanding and engagement in Physics.

• Supercharge Your Class Time with Flipped Learning: Pedagogy (Stage 4/5), presented by Timothy Byrne, Chevalier College

Explore how flipped learning can transform classroom time and increase student engagement in Stages 4 and 5. This session offers practical techniques for pre-teaching concepts, maximising interaction during lessons, and personalising learning through data-informed strategies. Tim shares real classroom examples that show how flipped learning supports differentiation and student ownership. Tim Byrne is Leader of Learning – Science at Chevalier College. A former flying instructor and Army Combat Engineer, he brings 20 years of teaching experience in Science, Physics, Engineering Studies and Science Extension. Tim is passionate about using data, structure and real-world links to improve student outcomes and teacher practice.

• Sweet Data, presented by Dr Silvia Rudmann, Head Teacher, Aurora College

Discover a fun, hands-on approach to teaching data science using lollies to collect, process and analyse information. This workshop takes you through simple, engaging steps to introduce students to data concepts in a way that’s both accessible and memorable. Learn practical classroom strategies for turning everyday activities into opportunities for building data skills.

Dr Silvia Rudmann has over 20 years’ teaching experience, from university lecturing to public high school classrooms. She holds a PhD in Biology and the GERRIC certificate in gifted education from UNSW, and currently teaches selective classes at Gorokan High School and Aurora College, a selective virtual school for remote and rural students. Silvia is the lead author of the award-winning Investigating Science in Focus series and Stage 4 and 5 in Focus, and has developed the Biology Foundation Course syllabus and textbook for RMIT Melbourne. She is also a digital consultant and author for Cengage, Melbourne, and an active member of the Science Teachers Association of NSW.

Networking: 11.45am- 12.15pm

Choose between the following networking themes: Connecting Head Teachers, Connecting Early Career Teachers, Connecting Regions , Connecting Out of Field Science Teachers, Connecting Subject Specialists.

Block 2: 12.20pm – 1pm

• Think & Ink: Building Scientific Literacy Through Portfolios and Formative Assessment (Stage 4), presented by Min Fang, Davidson High School

n this hands-on workshop, participants will explore practical strategies to strengthen scientific literacy through structured writing and portfolio-based formative assessment. Drawing on the Think & Ink Science approach, Min will demonstrate how to scaffold student writing, track progress, and use portfolios to make learning visible. Participants will receive templates and tools to embed literacy and assessment for learning into science classrooms. Min Fang is Head Teacher at Davidson High School and an experienced science educator. She is the creator of Think & Ink Science, a program that supports students in writing scientifically with clarity and confidence. Min leads professional learning in literacy and formative assessment and is committed to supporting high-impact, sustainable teaching practices.

• Explicit Teaching and Inquiry Based Learning: Myth-busting Pedagogies in Science Learning, presented by Genevieve Firmer, University of Sydney

This session explores the intersection of explicit instruction and inquiry-based learning, challenging the idea that these approaches are incompatible. Genevieve draws on research and classroom experience to show how science teachers can balance structure with student exploration. Participants will reflect on their own pedagogy and leave with insights to support student learning and engagement. Genevieve Firmer is a PhD researcher at the University of Sydney and a former senior science teacher and curriculum leader. She works with national initiatives such as STANSW, RACI, and Breaking Good. Genevieve brings deep classroom and leadership experience, especially in rural and remote contexts, and is passionate about collaboration and innovation in science education.

• Teaching Children to Study: Strategies for Revision (Stage 4/5), presented by Margaret Shepherd, ASTA 

This session presents easy-to-implement strategies that help students develop independent study habits to improve confidence and motivation in science. Margaret will demonstrate practical techniques that require minimal preparation but have high impact in supporting students’ learning habits and academic resilience. Margaret Shepherd is President of ASTA and founder of SCIeducation. She is a specialist science teacher, coach and curriculum advisor with a strong background in both secondary and tertiary education. Margaret is passionate about supporting teachers with practical tools for pedagogy, curriculum, and instructional design.

Mark your diaries, tickets available per day:

• Day 1 (as above): Tuesday 2 September, 11am – 1pm (Secondary)
• Day 2: Wednesday 10 September, 1pm – 3pm (Secondary)
• Day 3: Tuesday 16 September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm (Primary & Secondary)
• Day 4: Wednesday 24th September, 4.30pm – 6.30pm (Primary)

Register now to secure your spot!

* Individual Teacher Members include:  Life Members, Secondary Teacher Members, Non-Teacher Members and Student Members.

To access member tickets, please log into your member account.
Not a member yet? Join our community to access member discounts and access to other STANSW benefits. 

Registration Closes: Tuesday 26 August, 2025.  Payment must be received prior to the event date.

STANSW is a NESA recognised PD provider. Attendance at this conference can be logged as up to 2hours of PD as part of NESA maintenance and accreditation requirements.
Standards Addressed: 2, 3 and 5, 6 and 7.