Bradford College

College Promotes Excellence in Science Teaching and Learning

Bradford College was proud to host a special event to promote excellence in science teaching and learning in conjunction with the Yorkshire Branch of the Association for Science Education (ASE) - the largest subject association in the UK.

Schools travelled from across the region to attend a series of presentations by TV and Radio personality Dr Mark Lewney and renowned Science Consultant Tanya Shields. The presentations facilitated the sharing of ideas and allowed professionals’ involved in science education to expand their horizons beyond their daily work in the classroom.

Dr Mick Dunne, Head of Teacher Education and a member of the Editorial Board of Primary Science (A journal of the ASE) was approached to host the event. Mick commenting on the success of the event said: “Over 135 people interested in science education joined members of staff and students at Bradford College for an evening of ‘science entertainment education’. Such was the level of interest and demand to attend the event that we had to draft in an additional guest speaker!”

Conference participants had their ears blown by rock guitar and their minds blown by Superstring Theory, as Dr Mark Lewney explained during his rock performance, how the sound of the thrashing guitars of heavy metal bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden could help explain the mysteries of the universe.  

Dr Mark Lewney has been labelled the ‘Rock Doctor’ and described as a cross between Einstein and Jimi Hendrix during an appearance on CBBC’s Xchange! He has made appearances on Channel 4’s 3 Minute Wonder, BBC's Newsnight and Radio 4’s Material World.  

Commenting on the ‘Rock Doctor’s performance, Mick said: “Dr Lewney ‘String Theory’ was entertaining, educational and very informative - delivered in a very unique presentation style using his rock guitar.”

During her presentation, well known Primary Science Consultant Tanya Shields revealed how puppets can be used with primary school children to enrich science teaching and learning - helping to capture interest, stimulate thinking, challenge ideas and model learning conversations.

One participant reflected: “Feedback about the event was incredibly positive.  All the presentations were interactive.  It was very much about audience participation, so people were not sitting there passively... they were very involved in the presentations.”

“This has been a great partnership between the College, the Association for Science Education and the schools to support continued professional development.” Mick concluded: “Through the unique series of presentations - science was brought alive to a dynamic community of teachers, tutors, technicians and professionals in innovative ways.”