September 

Sustainable September 

Sustainable September is a month-long campaign dedicated to encouraging individuals, communities, and organisations to take meaningful steps toward more sustainable living. Cardiff University and partners are collaborating with primary schools across Wales to improve the sustainability and indoor conditions of learning environments through the creation of Living Labs. This is part of a three-year research project funded by Leverhulme Trust. This initiative will involve co-design and co-creation with pupils and teachers, ensuring that the perspectives and ideas of the school community shape the development of innovative solutions and support child-led sustainability citizenship.Cardiff University is seeking pilot schools to join this process — working together with researchers to explore, co-design, test, and refine strategies that enhance classroom comfort, sustainability and environmental performance. Participating schools will co-develop knowledge, resources, and activities that support both teaching and learning, with the support of Cardiff University researchers.

To express your interest and be considered as a Pilot School contact See Science 

British Science Festival 2025

The British Science Festival will be held in Liverpool between Wednesday 10 and Sunday 14 September 2025, with events due to take place in venues across the city. The programme will feature roughly 100 free events, exhibitions, performances and installations that celebrate the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science.

https://britishsciencefestival.org/

National Coding Week 15 -20th September

National Coding Week is dedicated to inspiring individuals of all ages to learn and embrace coding skills. This year’s event will commence on the 16th of September, with the primary theme centred around Artificial Intelligence (AI). National Coding Week encourages people to engage with coding, whether they’re complete beginners or seasoned professionals looking to enhance their skills. The week-long event promotes the idea that coding is not just for tech professionals but is a valuable skill that can benefit everyone in their personal and professional lives. You can get involved by registering for the ESA Astro Pi mission, Astro Pi gives primary and secondary school pupils the chance to write computer programs that run on Raspberry Pi computers onboard the International Space Station! https://codingweek.org/

Particle Physics Masterclass - Swansea University 17th September 2025

A chance for your school to participate in an exciting program aimed at Year 12 pupils. The event will feature talks on Particle Physics, practical workshops for students, and a live walkthrough with our contact at the Large Hadron Collider in CERN. The programme will run from 10 am to 2:30 pm.Registration will close on the 5th of September 2025. Please fill in this form to reserve your place at our Physics Masterclass on the 17th September 2025.

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2025 online  5pm 29th September 2025.       (M1) From Storms to Snowflakes: The Physics of Weather and Climate Change online 

Get ready to bring the wild world of weather and climate into your classroom — without getting your feet wet!

 Join Scientific Sue for a fast-paced, fun-filled online workshop packed with 11 hands-on physics activities that explore key concepts behind air pressure, wind, heat transfer, cloud formation, extreme weather, and climate change. From snapping balsa wood with atmospheric pressure to creating a storm in a balloon, these memorable demonstrations are guaranteed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Book here 

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2025 online 6pm  Monday 29th September.       (M2) Nature Physics: Seeing and sharing the connections between biology and physics: Jame De Winter

This session will look at multiple examples of physics principles from the school curriculum in the natural world. A collection of stories to enhance your teaching, contextualise physics and break down the barriers between physics and biology. Book here 

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2025 online 7pm Monday 29th September.    (M3): Quantum computing: has the future arrived?

Quantum theory is famous for being “strange”. In this presentation on quantum computers, I will discuss the peculiarities of the theory, and discuss ways that we can exploit this “weirdness”, ranging from factoring to cryptography. I will also discuss the barriers to building quantum computers in an incoherent universe. Book here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2025 online. 5pm Tuesday 30th September ( T1) Science on Stage

Science on Stage is a European initiative designed to encourage teachers from across Europe to share best practice in science teaching and ultimately to enable teachers to deliver science in a more creative and engaging way.

This session will explore many of the teaching ideas and resources and of course demos and experiments. Book here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2025 online 7pm Tuesday 30th September (T3) Discovering the Higgs Boson and the Future of the Large Hadron Collider 

On the surface, it may seem that the Higgs boson does not affect everyday life. Not directly, anyway: it is a short-lived particle that does not make up the matter we are made of and interact with, and can only be observed in the extreme conditions created in particle accelerators. Yet its importance is, firstly, to make better sense of the world, and secondly, because the research surrounding its discovery has had, and will continue to have, positive impacts on society. Book here

October

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month, observed annually in October, is a global initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal and business data in an increasingly digital world. With the growing prevalence of cyberattacks, data breaches, and online fraud, Cyber Security Awareness Month aims to educate individuals and organisations on best practices to protect themselves from cyber threats.

CyberFirst, created by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is on a mission to tackle the UK’s cyber skills gap by sparking interest in tech from an early age.

CyberFirst Wales are raising the profile of Computing and Cyber in schools and colleges, inspiring more young people to become tomorrow’s cyber defenders. More information here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference online 5pm Wednesday  October 1st. Physics around the World (W1) What I'd wish I'd known about the education system in the United States.

I moved from the UK to the US in 2016 after teaching in a state school for 22 years and working for the Institute of Physics for 6 years as a TLC. It's been a steep learning curve that has given me some very interesting perspectives on the UK system. I'll be talking GPAs, curriculum, grading, going to university, and overall education philosophy in relation to Physics. I will also talk specifically about how this new US lens puts some of the bigger issues (the exam system, accountability) in a new light for me, with a large dose of 'be careful what you wish for'. Book here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference online 6pm Wednesday October 1st . Physics around the World  (W2)From the other end of the World

From the other end of the World

As a self-confessed eccentric Physics Teacher, Haggis Henderson would like to beam in from New Zealand with some thoughts about the following: 

Similarities between Cymru and Aotearoa/NZ ; Indigenous contexts from the Pacific for teaching Physics; Going BIG with some topics Thought compactors, and creativity: hoaxing, measurement and rap music. Book here 

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference online 7pm Wednesday October 1st. Physics around the World  (M3) Celtic Night

Join teachers from Scotland , Wales, Ireland and beyond to share ideas, resources and experiences of teaching in the Celtic Nations. There will be lots of laughter and plenty of ideas to use in the classroom. Book here 

 24th Annual Welsh Physics Teachers Conference - an in person event - Friday 3 October 2025 - Christ College, Brecon 

For all teachers of Physics… join the Welsh Physics Teachers Conference Brecon 2025. A fabulous free week of presentations and workshops for teachers, technicians and PGCE students with opportunities to network with colleagues.

The Conference will be held at Christ College, Brecon on Friday 3 October (09.30-16.15), where we will be joined by: Prof Hayley Gomez Cardiff University; Helen Francis, WJEC and Tom Grinyer, Group Chief Executive Officer Institute of Physics.A technician workshop will run on the morning when Nick Mitchener (Physics Technician, Ferndown Upper School) will lead a set of mini workshops focusing on practical Physics. Teachers in state-funded schools in Wales attending this conference can apply for a Welsh Government funded bursary to part cover the cost of supply and travel. If you wish to apply for a bursary please tick the appropriate box during registration; we will send you details. More details here 

National Education Show 3rd October 2025 – Utilita Arena Cardiff

The National Education Show is the leading education event in Wales providing opportunities and new ways to improve and raise standards, enhance learning experiences and support learners.The National Education Show is the largest and most influential education event in Wales, providing educators, school leaders, and education professionals with the opportunity to develop professionally, discover new resources, and connect with leading suppliers and like-minded practitioners.

Held annually at Venue Cymru in Llandudno and the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, the Show attracts thousands of delegates from across Wales and beyond. With over 50 expert-led seminars to choose from, the event covers a wide range of essential topics, including behaviour management, wellbeing, ALN/SEND, curriculum development, leadership, parental engagement, inclusion, and safeguarding. More details here

Super Science Saturday - Brecon High School - Saturday 4th October 2025 10am - 2pm

Join the Institute of Physics, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry and Brecon High School for a Festival of Science.

Super Science Saturday will include: Harry Potter – Science or Magic?, Frozen! and Science Made Simple, where families and friends together with primary and secondary teachers will enjoy sharing and networking opportunities.

During the lunch break we will hold The Great Science Share: Join the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics for hands on activities and demonstrations. Bring your own science demonstrations to share with others.

Refreshments will be available. Book your free place here 

World Space Week October 4th - October 10th

World Space Week, celebrated annually in October, is the largest space event on Earth, dedicated to celebrating the wonders of space exploration and the benefits of space science and technology for humanity. Established by the United Nations in 1999, World Space Week highlights the achievements of space exploration, the importance of satellite technology, and the ongoing quest to understand the universe. Each year, the event adopts a theme to inspire global participation, with space agencies, schools, universities, and space enthusiasts around the world joining in the celebration. More information here

Ada Lovelace Day – 14 October 2025

Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls into STEM careers and support women already working in STEM. Founded in 2009 by Suw Charman-Anderson, it is now held every year on the second Tuesday of October.

This year, celebrate by organising your own events, at school, work, in your community, at your library or university!

Since 2010, Ada Lovelace Day has included dozens of grassroots events around the world, organised by independent groups who want to support women in STEM in their communities. More information here

New Scientist Live - THE WORLD'S GREATEST FESTIVAL OF IDEAS AND DISCOVERIES Sat 18  - Sun 19 Oct | Mon 20 Oct Schools' Day Excel London and online access

From interactive experiences to talks by the best-loved scientists and top academic minds, this inspirational and educational festival promises to showcase the latest breakthroughs, innovations, and discoveries in science and technology. New Scientist Live is for anyone and everyone who is curious about our brains, our bodies, our planet and our universe.

Tickets are available for either day or the whole weekend, and if you can’t make it to Excel London, you can join the live stream to ensure you don’t miss out. More information here

Swansea Science Festival 25th- 26th October

Swansea Science Festival returns to the National Waterfront Museum. Running from the 25th-26th October, everyone can enjoy FREE exhibition stands and bookable shows, some demonstrating the groundbreaking research at Swansea University. Every year, the festival shows that science can be fun for all ages whether you’re making, exploring, or discovering. More information here

The Big Science Project: Woolly Halloween Workshop  30 October 1pm-3pm 

National Wool Museum, Dre-Fach Felindre, Felindre, Llandysul SA44 5UP

Join The Big Science Project for a hands-on science activity where wool meets webs and spooky meets science! Can you build the strongest spider web using nothing but wool? Put your engineering skills to the test as you design your own creepy, crawly web—then see how much weight it can hold!

Discover how wool’s structure works, experiment with twisting or braiding to make your web stronger, and explore the science of tension and materials in a fang-tastic way. Perfect for curious kids and brave grown-ups alike—drop in if you dare! More information here

November

Green Careers Week 3-8th November

Green Careers Week is an exciting event that raises aspiration, supports diversity, challenges stereotypes, and promotes real opportunities for young people to have a career that will genuinely make a difference. Discover careers, jobs, roles, and career pathways that are green careers and develop green skills.

A green career can be any job, role or occupation that contributes to preserving or restoring the environment and our planet. It can be any industry, not just those seen as ‘green.’ Green skills are abilities, attributes, values, attitudes, knowledge, and technical skills needed to adapt services, processes and procedures to support climate change.

Green careers are a fast-growing global employment sector that touches every company, employer, employee, and education establishment. Requiring everyone to work together to build a talent pipeline from school through to employment for the thousands and thousands of jobs and roles needed for the future. Green careers reach into every aspect of our lives and offer young people an exciting array of opportunities. There are green careers and green skills suitable for everyone. More information here

National STEM Day 8th November 2025

National STEM Day is a designated annual observance taking place on 8th November, celebrating the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Observed in different countries and in a variety of ways across classrooms, communities and within the workplace, National STEM Day aims to inspire more people into STEM-related careers. Activities and events are organised on the same date each year, drawing attention to what makes STEM subjects exciting to study and work in.

It is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of past and present STEM specialists and highlight STEM-focused organisations and industries’ important impact on society. 

Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2025  Monday 10 to Friday 14 November

We’re excited to announce that Tomorrow’s Engineers Week 2025 will take place from Monday 10 to Friday 14 November. This annual event in school calendars gives students an opportunity to spark ideas and consider how they could tackle local and global challenges in their future careers. Discover resources for school assemblies, lesson plans, Q&A sessions with real engineers, videos and activities – all designed to help young people find out more about jobs in engineering and tech.Register to save the date to be the first to find out about the 2025 theme and get lesson plans and resources to inspire your students.