TONBRIDGE SCIENCE TECHNICIAN CONVENTION
FRIDAY 27 MARCH 2026 | BARTON SCIENCE CENTRE | TONBRIDGE SCHOOL
SCHEDULE
8.30am Registration and refreshments
EM Forster Theatre
8.55am Welcome address
EM Forster Theatre
9.00am
Panel Discussion - the Future of School Science Technicians: Recognition, Support and Growth
EM Forster Theatre School science technicians play a vital role in delivering highquality practical science education, yet their contributions often go unseen. This panel brings together representatives from the Association for Science Education (ASE), the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the Royal Society (RS), and Physics Partners (PP) to discuss how we can better support, develop and recognise this essential workforce. Together, the panel will explore the future of the technician profession, pathways for professional growth, and the collective action needed to ensure technicians are fully equipped and valued within school science.
Chair: Lisa Alford, Science Coordinator, Senior Science Technician Tonbridge School Panellists: Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield, Association for Science Education Technicians Committee Member
Dr Tia Salter, Senior Professional Development Officer, The Royal Society of Biology
Catherine Perry, RSciTech, MRSC, Professional Registration Specialist, The Royal Society of Chemistry
David Montagu, Senior Policy Adviser (Education), The Royal Society
Paul Hammond, Director of Education, Physics Partners
10.05am Workshop 1
Barton Science Centre (BSC)
11.10am Refreshments break
Old Big School Gallery (OBSG)
11.45am Workshop 2
Barton Science Centre (BSC)
12.45pm Lunch/raffle
Old Big School Gallery (OBSG)
13.30pm Workshop 3
Barton Science Centre (BSC)
14.35pm Workshop 4
Barton Science Centre (BSC)
WORKSHOPS
There are nineteen workshops hosted between sixteen rooms across the ground, first, and second floor of the Barton Science Centre. Tonbridge’s Technicians will be on hand to assist with locations.
The format is designed to be one of ‘share and discuss’. Delegates are asked to go to their chosen workshop, stay for the duration, and engage in a discussion within each session.
GROUND FLOOR
Ph2 – Energy in Motion: Smart Setups for Mechanics (GCSE)
Join Ralph Fleming, a Tonbridge School Physics Teacher, and Physics Partners Coach for a hands-on workshop. Discover clever, low-cost ways to enhance classic motion and energy experiments. This session showcases how simple tweaks and smartphone tools can make trolley and ramp investigations more accurate, visual, and engaging, helping technicians get consistent results from familiar equipment.
Ph3 – Light, Lasers, and Quantum (A Level)
Explore elegant and modern optics demonstrations that bring quantum ideas to life. From laser alignment hacks and diffraction tricks to affordable spectroscopy and photoelectric effect setups, this session highlights how to achieve high-impact results with limited resources, this workshop is led by Ralph Fleming, Tonbridge School Physics Teacher and Physics Partners coach.
Ph4 – Fields & Induction — Power from Motion (A Level)
Turn motion into electricity with creative, hands-on demonstrations of electromagnetic induction. Ralph Fleming, a Tonbridge School Physics Teacher, and Physics Partners Coach will teach you how to build and troubleshoot simple generators and transformers, compare core materials, and safely set up magnetic experiments that make field theory truly dynamic.
Ph5 – A Better Approach to Requisition Management
Join Peter Sigsworth from LabLogger for an interactive presentation and workshop exploring LabLogger, the UK’s leading requisitioning platform. Discover what makes LabLogger so effective, why it’s trusted across the UK, and how it can streamline and transform your department’s requisition process. Peter will guide you through LabLogger’s key features, demonstrate how to get started, and share practical tips for making the most of the platform. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and explore specific use cases.
Ph6 – Wireless Sensors for Required Practicals
Join Lee Grahame from Data Harvest for a hands-on workshop exploring how to use EasySense2 software and wireless sensors to enhance your GCSE and A Level required practicals. Discover how datalogging can bring experiments to life, and in some activities, you can even use your own smartphones to collect data.
Ph7 – Leadership and Prep Room Management
Join Angie Ridout, Chief Technician at Dagenham Park C of E School, and Paul Cook, Lead Technician for the Ark Academy Network, for an engaging and practical workshop on leading prep rooms and managing teams effectively. Drawing on over 20 years of combined experience as award-winning technicians, Angie and Paul will share insights from two very different school settings and how they run their prep rooms. In this session, you’ll explore strategies for allocating tasks, working more efficiently, and maintaining smooth operations. You’ll also learn about managing databases, requisitions, and maintenance systems to keep your prep room running like clockwork. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools, leadership skills, and ideas to create a well-organised, high-performing prep environment for your team.
WORKSHOPS
FIRST FLOOR
Bi3
– STEM Clubs on a Budget
Running a STEM club doesn’t have to drain your already stretched science budget! In this session, Rae Chilton, Physics Technician at Lewes Old Grammar School, will share practical tips and insights from four years of experience setting up and leading a successful STEM club. You’ll explore creative ways to source ideas and design engaging, low-cost activities tailored for Key Stage 3 students. The workshop will also include a chance to try out some simple but effective activities that you can take back and use straight away with your own club.
Bi4 – Modelling the Digestive System
Models are frequently used in science lessons to demonstrate key principles. In this session, Julia Milligan, Senior Science Technician at Leigh Academy Halley, will lead a fun, hands-on activity modelling the processes of digestion. The session can be adapted for all age groups and provides an opportunity to explore what makes a good scientific model. Participants will also consider whether misconceptions can be clarified or potentially reinforced by modelling.
Bi5 – Royal Society of Biology (RSB): Supporting school technicians
The RSB is a supporter of the Technician Commitment, and the Society’s Evolving 5-19 Biology Curriculum Framework aims to improve biology education for all. At the intersection of these two initiatives, and vital to both, are school technicians. Join Tia Salter, Senior Professional Development Officer in this informative workshop which explores how the RSB supports technicians and their schools, through training courses, bespoke continuing professional development (CPD), membership through the Schools and Colleges Affiliation Scheme, and professional registration (Registered Science Technician to Chartered Biologist, and more).
Bi7 – Discover Enzymes Made Easy
Join Dr Bill Burnett, one of Tonbridge School’s experienced biology teachers with an industry background and a real understanding of the technician’s perspective, for a hands-on workshop all about enzymes. You’ll explore and test enzyme activities that are simple to source, inexpensive, and most importantly actually work! Learn how to adapt these experiments into microscale formats that save time, reduce mess, and make practical work more efficient and engaging. Don’t miss this chance to pick up fresh ideas, practical tips, and classroom-ready activities!
Bi7 – Making the Most of Your Microscopes
In this session, Julia Milligan, Senior Science Technician at Leigh Academy Halley, will explore how to set up and use microscopes effectively. The session will include guidance on troubleshooting common faults and introduce some creative and less conventional microscope activities, not all of them biology related!
WORKSHOPS
SECOND FLOOR
Ch1 – pH Curve for a Weak Acid Strong Alkali Titration
Join Dr Chris Lawrence, an experienced teacher from Tonbridge School in this practical workshop, where he will guide participants through the process of determining the pKa of a weak acid using pH titration techniques. You will use a pH meter to plot a titration curve for a weak acid strong alkali system and apply the data to identify the acid and calculate its pKa value. The session will also cover how to prepare a standard solution, highlight key titration techniques, and walk through the essential calculations needed to accurately quantify and interpret the results.
Ch2 – Understanding RSciTech: Professional Registration & Technician Support
Why you should consider applying for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech). In this session, Catherine from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) will outline the benefits of professional registration and explain how RSciTech can support recognition of your skills and expertise. In addition, you’ll learn about the exciting new updates from the RSC on support and resources for technicians.
Ch3 – Organic Synthesis: Preparation of Aspirin
In this practical session, you will first prepare 2-hydroxybenzoic acid by hydrolysing methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, then synthesise aspirin through the acetylation of salicylic acid using ethanoic anhydride. Emphasis will be placed on achieving a good yield and product purity through careful control of reaction conditions and technique. Under the expert guidance of Dr Chris Lawrence, an experienced teacher from Tonbridge School, you will develop practical laboratory skills, refine key synthetic and purification methods, and determine the melting point of your aspirin product. Please note, this is a double session.
Ch4 – Crime Scene in a Box
Join Vanessa Johnstone, a chemistry technician at Hills Road Sixth Form College and former forensic scientist, for this handson workshop. Drawing on her experience in forensic science and technical expertise, Vanessa has created Crime Scene in a Box. A ready-to-use activity that brings forensic investigation into the classroom. During the session, you’ll explore how to set up and run your own crime scene using accessible materials and analytical techniques. Take the inspiration back to your school to let students test their problem-solving and scientific skills. Can you solve the crime?
Ch6 – Microscale Circus
This engaging, hands-on session will be led by Katy Bray, Education Coordinator, Community Development at the Royal Society of Chemistry. Participants will explore a variety of microscale experiments and discover fun, educational activities such as titrations, neutralisation, and precipitation. The session will also feature two unique challenges, “Technicians in Trouble” and “Escape the Classroom”, designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Ch6 – Takeaway Microscale
In this practical session, Katy Bray, Education Coordinator, Community Development at the Royal Society of Chemistry, will guide participants in making their own personal hotplate to take away. Using easily accessible materials, this device is ideal for performing microscale experiments such as making salts, perfect for adding flexibility and engagement to classroom science.
Ch7 – Tips, tricks, and practical science on a budget
Back again by popular demand, join technicians’ Mark, David, and Nick from Hayes School Bromley, in a workshop covering budget-friendly tips, and subject-specific advice. The workshop includes practical tips, discussion-based learning, and advice on affordable purchasing strategies. Please note this is a double session.
MEET THE EXHIBITORS
Exhibitor stands to explore: Association for Science Education (ASE), Better Equipped, Blades Biological, Breckland Scientific, Curie Scientific, Data Harvest, Instruments Direct, LabLogger, Nickel - Electro, Ohaus, Philip Harris, Physics Partners, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Samples for Schools, SLS Select, Timstar, The Worm House, VITTA
Prizes generously donated by: Blades Biological, Breckland Scientific, Data Harvest, Nickel - Electro, The Worm House, Samples for Schools.
SPEAKERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Lisa Alford, RSci, MRSC, Science Coordinator | Senior Science Technician, Tonbridge School
Lisa is the Science Coordinator and Senior Science Technician at Tonbridge School. With over 17 years of experience as a science technician, Lisa leads a team of eight technicians and is deeply passionate about raising awareness of the vital contributions technicians make to education. Beyond supporting her own team, she actively promotes professional development for technicians across the South East, organising and hosting a regional Science Technician Convention at Tonbridge School. She also founded “Science Snippets: 4 Minutes to Win It”, a science communication competition that encourages students to confidently explain complex scientific ideas. In 2024, she received the Royal Society Hauksbee Award in recognition of her exceptional commitment to fostering engagement in science and promoting collaboration between schools.
David Montagu, Senior Policy Adviser (Education), The Royal Society
David Montagu is a Senior Policy Adviser in the Royal Society’s Education team. He was the project lead for the latest ‘wave’ of the Science Education Tracker and is the principal author of Practical inquiry in secondary science education | Royal Society, a major study examining international research evidence on the benefits to secondary students of engaging in hands-on practical inquiry in formal and non-formal learning environments. In 2025, he organised a national conference on the future of practical science, a report of which is currently ‘in the press’.
Dr Tia Salter, MRSB, Senior Professional Development Officer, The Royal Society of Biology
Tia has a background in biochemistry and completed her PhD at the University of Bristol before leaving the laboratory to join the Royal Society of Biology (RSB). She now manages the development and delivery of the RSB’s professional development programmes, including careers initiatives and the professional registers.
Catherine Perry, RSciTech, MRSC, Professional Registration Specialist, The Royal Society of Chemistry
Catherine is the Professional Registration Specialist and Technician Commitment Project Lead at the Royal Society of Chemistry. She supports chemical scientists and technicians in accessing professional development and recognition opportunities, including achieving registered status and coordinating an annual technician conference.
Catherine began her career as a forensic scientist in a private laboratory, before moving into a role as a forensic science technician in a university teaching lab. She joined the RSC in 2019, bringing with her a strong practical background and a passion for supporting technical professionals.
Tracy Sherwood-Farnfield, RSciTech, Association for Science Education Technicians Committee Member
Tracy has worked as a science technician for nearly 17 years, beginning as a biology technician and now serving as Lead Technician at a growing school in Maidstone. In this role, she manages all science provision from KS3 to KS5, including BTEC. Passionate about sharing best practice, Tracy delivers CPD sessions for STEM Learning and at Association for Science Education (ASE) events and cohosts a virtual technician network through the Southeast STEM Hub. A member of the ASE since 2020, she achieved her RSciTech qualification and joined the ASE Technicians Committee in 2023, where she contributes articles, campaigns for improved working conditions, and helps organise the ASE Technicians Conference. She is currently collaborating with colleagues on a series of practical how-to guides for technicians, due to be published by the ASE.
Paul Hammond, Director of Education, Physics Partners
Paul began his teaching career in 1985 as a Physics teacher in East London, and his professional journey has now come full circle. From September, he will combine his role as STEM Learning Physics Coach for three counties in the East of England with a new part-time post as Director of Education for the charity Physics Partners. Over the past four decades, Paul has built an impressive leadership career. He served successfully as Head of Science in Dunstable, before spending two years at the National College for School Leadership, where he developed the Leading from the Middle programme from the ground up. Returning to schools, Paul became founding Deputy Headteacher at Oasis Academy Enfield and went on to serve as Principal from 2010 to 2014. During his tenure, the academy achieved the strongest GCSE and A Level outcomes in the Trust.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Physics Partners, whose generous donation has enabled us to expand the conference, providing more spaces for technicians from across the state sector.
Physics Partners are, in turn, supported by the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust. The Physics Partners is an educational charity with a mission to improve the life chances of young people through physics education. The charity supports newly qualified teachers, and teachers without a physics qualification, as well as technicians, to build their subject knowledge and confidence, and inspire pupils to consider taking physics at A-level or beyond.
The Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust was set up by Sir James Colyer-Fergusson in 1969 to support charitable causes in Kent. Over the years, the Trust’s overarching aim has been to improve the lives of people in Kent and in particular those who are most disadvantaged. In recent years, grant funding has focused on ‘Young People with Poverty of Opportunity’; which has focused on providing grants for young people who are furthest from the jobs’ market.
Additional Information
If the fire alarm sounds, please evacuate the building via the nearest exit and follow directions to the main Quad. We have trained First Aiders on site and a staffed Medical Centre. Please contact any member of Tonbridge School staff if you feel unwell.
Barton Science Centre Floor Plans
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