Virtual Forum Day 2
Wednesday 10 September, 1pm – 3pm

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 2 Program for Secondary Science Teachers

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

Block 1: 1pm – 1.40pm

• Leveraging Data to Boost Student Motivation and Performance, Timothy Byrne, Leader of Learning, Chevalier College

This session explores practical ways to use formative and summative data to drive student engagement and performance in secondary science. Timothy will share examples of how data analysis can shape lesson planning, personalise feedback, and track student progress over time. Learn how a data-informed approach supports differentiation and empowers students to take ownership of their learning. Timothy Byrne is Leader of Learning – Science at Chevalier College, with a strong interest in evidence-based teaching strategies and student-centred learning environments.

• Indigenous Perspectives in the Science Curriculum, Dhivahar Sri Ranjan, Head of Science (Stage 4-6), Karratha Senior High School

Discover how Karratha Senior High School has embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across Science programs and assessments, in alignment with the Aboriginal Cultural and Standards Framework (ACSF). This session showcases strategies that improve student outcomes while respectfully including First Nations contributions to science. Dhiv will also highlight ways to support attendance, engagement, and achievement for Aboriginal students. Dhiv Sri Ranjan is Head of Science at Karratha Senior High School and a specialist in ATAR Physics, Chemistry, and Human Biology. He is a member of the SCSA Science Curriculum Advisory Committee and a CSIRO Science Education Panel Consultant.

Networking: 1.45am- 2.15pm

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: 2.20pm – 3pm

• Embedding Literacy Practices in the High School Science Classroom, Associate Professor Helen Georgiou, Science Education, University of Wollongong

Explore how literacy can be harnessed to deepen scientific understanding in the high school classroom. This workshop shares discipline-specific, classroom-ready strategies for embedding reading, writing and talk into science lessons. Drawing on a Department of Education–funded research project, Helen presents real classroom examples showing how explicit teaching of genres such as the scientific explanation can strengthen reasoning and conceptual understanding. Participants will leave with adaptable strategies, including scaffolded writing tasks, talk routines and formative assessment approaches.

Associate Professor Helen Georgiou specialises in science education and literacy at the University of Wollongong. Her research focuses on how communication practices shape student learning in science, and she works closely with teachers to develop practical resources for the classroom. Helen has led multiple large-scale research projects in partnership with schools and education systems, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between research and practice.

• Beyond the Silvery Mist: Dialogic Pedagogy for Plural Knowledge Worlds (Stage 4-6), Dr Brent Wagner, Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato

This session explores dialogic pedagogy as a tool for creating culturally inclusive science classrooms. Drawing on research in Aotearoa New Zealand, Brent shares how science teachers can support Indigenous and culturally diverse students by acknowledging and integrating their multiple knowledge worlds. Practical strategies will be provided for respectful and meaningful classroom conversations. Dr Brent Wagner lectures in science and biology education at the University of Waikato, New Zealand. His research focuses on inclusive pedagogies and culturally responsive curriculum design, with an emphasis on Indigenous perspectives in science.

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: Wednesday 3 September, 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.

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