There are a number of courses and workshops available to teachers and technicians which include support for teaching and learning about plants. Below we list some courses on offer from CPD providers like the STEM Learning along with details of where you can find SAPS ambassadors around the country offering hands on sessions. Follow the links provided to find out more information. If you are a CPD provider and would like your course listed on this page, please contact the SAPS office by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by phone (01223 748455).
SAPS Train the Trainer 2017
Date: Friday 10th November
Location: Cambridge
For: Secondary biology ITE technicians and tutors
Cost: Free
This CPD event is open to all secondary science initial teacher education (ITE) tutors and their institution’s lead technician. It will be a jam packed day that will arm you with inspiration and provide you with an opportunity to look at the new secondary and post-16 resources we’ve developed including support for the new GCSE plant disease topics and A-level core practicals. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
SAPS at the ASE Annual Conference January 2018
Date: Thursday 4th - Saturday 6th January 2018
Location: University of Liverpool
For: All teachers and technicians
Cost: Free for exhibition only
Join us for talks and resources to share with your school on our stand in the exhibition hall and practical inspiration in the lab at the ASE Annual Conference in Liverpool.
Biology Practicals that Work (drop in anytime lab session)
Thursday 4th January 2018, 1-4pm
Friday 5th January 2018, 1-4pm
Saturday 6th January 2018, 10am-1pm
Cost: ASE admission price
Looking for reliable new biology practicals? We've got a lab full of ideas, with engaging, affordable practicals on a range of key topics. We'll be troubleshooting old favourite practicals, and introducing new ones for A level set practicals. Whether you stay for 10 minutes or two hours, inspiration is guaranteed!
SAPS Plant Science Summer School July 2018
Date: Sunday 1st - Wednesday 4th July 2018
Location: The Hawkhills, Easingwold, North Yorkshire
For: A-level/post 16 biology teachers at UK schools
Cost: Free with ENTHUSE bursary available for state funded schools and colleges. Independent schools are not eligible for the bursary; they are however welcome to apply and attend the course (course fee £235+VAT, accommodation fee ~£230)
Invigorate your biology teaching with the annual Plant Science Summer School. This course gives a select group of post-16 biology teachers the opportunity to join the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for undergratuates, hosted by some of the leading lights in plant science. This is a SAPS hosted CPD event in conjunction with STEM Learning. Find out more and pre-book your place
SAPS Ambassador Training Event
Date: Saturday 22nd September 2018, 10am-4pm (approximate timings)
Location: Science Education Centre, University of Cambridge, Faculty of Education
For: This event is open to individuals willing to demonstrate our SAPS methods and materials to colleagues and their networks who are involved in the teaching of secondary and post-16 students
Cost: Free. Please note that travel expenses can be reimbursed
For more information and to confirm your place, please contact Jamie via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The one day training event has been designed to provide you with:
· An opportunity to explore our SAPS practical activities
· Helpful hints and tips on how to use the resources most effectively
· Guidance on how to run your own training activity
· An occasion to meet with your fellow Ambassadors from across the country
· A SAPS goody bag!
SAPS Plant Science Summer School July 2019
Date: Sunday 30th June - Wednesday 3rd July 2019
Invigorate your biology teaching with the annual Plant Science Summer School. This course gives a select group of post-16 biology teachers the opportunity to join the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for undergratuates, hosted by some of the leading lights in plant science.
More information to follow...
Courses in biology run by the national STEM Learning network can be found here
The RHS runs CPD Opportunities on gardens and plant science throughout the year, throughout both England and Scotland.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh run courses on secondary biology and primary science throughout the year.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales run CPD courses throughout the year, on a wide range of topics.
Kew Gardens run CPD opportunities for secondary biology and primary science throughout the year, some in association with other providers.
If you are a school, initial teacher training institution or CPD provider and you would like to include a plant-based workshop in support of science teacher CPD we may be able to put you in touch with one of our network of trainers.
