July

Practical tips to Confidently Engage with Secondary Students 1st July 12.30pm

This 1-hour training session is designed for STEM Ambassadors looking to enhance their confidence when working with secondary school students. In this session, delivered by Christina Astin, you’ll learn how to engage successfully with secondary school students. It will cover why volunteering with secondary students is important and the different ways you may be interacting with them (in school, during work experience, or online), plus provide practical tips to address the main concerns Ambassadors have when volunteering in secondary schools, like keeping them interested and being relevant. This 60-minute session runs from 01.07.2026 on 12:30pm.

For more information and to book  go here

Boosting Science Education in Wales Conference - North Wales. 3 July

We are really excited to be joining forces with IOP once again, as part of our Boosting Science Education in Wales programme, to bring you our annual science day conference. The day will be filled with three hands-on workshops, plenty of networking time and of course a free lunch!

This is a fully funded event aimed at secondary science teachers, technicians and subject leads. As part of the Boosting Science Education in Wales programme we are able to offer bursaries for teachers and technicians working in Wales to attend.

It is going to be great day filled with lots of hands-on science. Book your place here

Get into BioScience University of South Wales 1 July

This event offers a series of interactive talks and engaging lab or field-based workshops designed to give students valuable insight into the diverse opportunities available through degrees in Biology, Biomedical Science, Medical Sciences, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. Schools can choose an event aligned with the disciplines of any of these four courses, for example an ecology, biomedical or molecular biology focused event. We are equally happy to offer a tailored combination allowing the experience to be shaped around the interests and goals of their students. More information here

Technicians Summer Conference 03 July 2026 08:30 - 16:00
Clifton College in Bristol

We’re returning to Clifton College, Bristol for 2026 with a fantastic event for technicians of all levels. Workshops will include Microscale Favourites, Five-Minute Wonders, A Level Biology Practicals, and sessions on Lone Working and Team Building, with more to be announced in a programme designed by technicians, for technicians. For more information click here

Cardiff University Physics Summer School -Monday 6 – Wednesday 8 July 2026 

This extremely popular 3-day non-residential programme is aimed at AS students who are considering pursuing a physics degree.This free event will take place on Monday 6 – Wednesday 8 July 2026 at Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy. A more detailed programme will be released closer to the time, but will include talks, lectures and workshops delivered by staff and students from the School of Physics and AstronomyLectures and workshops will be targeted at AS level (Year 12) students and provide an insight into Physics beyond A-level, such as:

• Gravitational Waves
• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Medical Physics
• Nanophysics
• Semiconductor technology

Students should apply using this application form

Computational Thinking across the Primary Curriculum - 6th July 2026

Computational thinking is a core skill within the Digital Competence Framework (DCF) and is increasingly recognised as essential for problem‑solving across all Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs).

This course supports educators to confidently understand, teach, and embed the four pillars of computational thinking (abstraction, decomposition, algorithms, and pattern recognition) through practical approaches. By strengthening practitioners’ knowledge and confidence, the course helps ensure learners can apply computational thinking purposefully and creatively across the curriculum. This course is approximately 6 hours of live remote learning. To find out more and book your place here

Build your resilience with the Bounce Back Project 7th July 9.30am

Discover easy methods to improve resilience, look after mental health and wellbeing, and develop career network connections.
Using the tools championed by the Bounce Back Project, this workshop is a professional and personal development opportunity for STEM Ambassadors. You will be introduced to some useful tools to build resilience, look after your mental health and wellbeing and help generate a positive and supportive work environment. This 90-minute workshop takes place on Tuesday 7th July 2026 at 09:30.

For more information and to book go here

DVLA Code Challenge 2026 Tuesday 7 July 2026.

 Schools are invited to attend the event at the Richard Ley Development Centre in Swansea, or online via the live stream. Building on 10 years of the DVLA STEM Programme, this hybrid event will celebrate our achievements and look towards the future, inspiring young learners to explore digital skills and career opportunities. More information is available here

World Chocolate Day. 7th July 2026

World Chocolate Day is celebrated every year on July 7th, honoring the introduction of chocolate to Europe in the 16th century. This day is a global celebration of chocolate in all its forms, from dark to milk, bars to truffles, and everything in between.

What is World Chocolate Day?

World Chocolate Day is an annual event dedicated to indulging in and appreciating chocolate. It marks the date when chocolate was first brought to Europe in 1550, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. Chocolate lovers around the world celebrate this day by enjoying their favorite chocolate treats and learning more about its rich history and production process. Some accessible activites from the RNIB here

AI across the Primary Curriculum 7 July 2026 online

This course explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support the Digital Competence Framework (DCF) and Curriculum for Wales across primary Areas of Learning (AoLEs). Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools, learn how to plan for appropriate progression linked to DCF statements, and embed AI in ways that develop the four purposes - helping learners become ambitious and capable (through problem-solving and creativity), enterprising and creative (by using AI for innovation), ethical and informed (through responsible AI use), and healthy and confident (by promoting digital wellbeing and resilience).This course includes practical examples reflection and discussion opportunities and action plan creation for effective AI integration in school. For more infomation or to book your place click here

Virtual STEM Escape Room with London Transport Museum (KS2/7-11) - Thursday 9th July, 10.00 or 13.30

Calling all adventurers! Join us on an electric journey, as you put your problem-solving skills to the test in our thrilling, virtual escape room. Solve puzzles and uncover clues as you explore the ever-evolving ways London has been kept moving. Designed for Upper KS2 students, this interactive experience, in partnership with the London Transport Museum, brings STEM to life in a real-world situation. Do you have what it takes to reach your destination? Delivered via Teams in partnership with London Transport Museum. Book your place now!

A MAGICAL GAME SHOW (Ben Sparks) 9 July 2026

Sherman Theatre Cardiff

Tickets £10 + VAT - all teachers FREE

Back by popular demand, join Ben Sparks for a highly engaging show featuring a variety of interactive mathematical games and magic tricks. You'll discover how school-level maths can help reveal the secrets behind winning strategies and the mysteries of magic. This is mathematics at its useful and beautiful best! To book go here

Merthyr Science Festival Saturday 11th July 10am - 3pm at Merthyr Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Village. CF48 1UT

Merthyr Science Festival brings science to life in exciting, accessible and interactive ways. From live demonstrations to hands-on experiments, the festival is designed to spark curiosity and inspire people of all ages.

Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out, a student exploring future careers, or simply curious about the world around you, there's something here for you! With fun, hands-on science for all ages! Meet the people behind exciting experiments and discoveries! We will have exhibits from the Institute of Biomedical Science, The Geologists Association, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Ecolab, Tilbury Douglas and AstroCymru to name a few. More information here 

Ebbw Fest 2026 returns on Saturday 11th July 2026!

Get ready for: Live entertainment; Games & activities; Market stalls; Food & refreshments;  Fun for the whole family

And the best part? FREE ENTRY! 

We’re pulling out all the stops for an unforgettable summer day in the sun 

Interested in having a stall?  Email: mthomas@ebbwfawr.co.uk

#EbbwFest #CommunityFun #SummerFestival #EbbwVale #Familyfunday

STEM Ambassadors-Introduction to the platform. 16 July  10.30am - 11.15am online

Join one of these training sessions to find out more about the STEM Ambassadors platform. You will be shown how to log your hours and find upcoming volunteering opportunities, plus other key features. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.Book your place here

Tips and tricks for engaging Learners in the Classroom 21 July 4pm

Discover some techniques for volunteering in schools and engaging learners within the classroom. This is a training session for STEM Ambassadors about how to engage learners in the classroom. We will discuss volunteering in schools and classrooms, techniques for engaging learners in the classroom, and safeguarding considerations. There will be the opportunity to ask questions too. This 60-minute session takes place on 21.07.2026 at 4pm. For more information and to book go here

August

Be a Brain Explorer! Hadyn Ellis Building Cardiff. 7th August and 15th August -various times

Discover & Grow - Growing Together | Darganfod a Thyfu - Tyfu Gyda'n Gilydd. 11 August 11am /17 August 11am/24 August 11am

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Llanarthne, Wales

Discover & Grow, an exciting programme of hands-on science, nature, sustainability, and outdoor learning experiences.

To book go here - there is a cost to attend this event

Broadlands Fun Day, Maes Yr Haul Primary School (CF31 5EG).  Saturday, 22nd August 2026,2:00 PM to 6:00 PM,

The community event features fairground rides, inflatables, and live entertainment.
The popular Science Tent—originally envisioned by local resident Dr. Geertje Van Keulen—is a major highlight of the Broadlands Fun Day. It offers a full range of hands-on STEM subjects, podium presentations, and interactive workshops designed to make educational experiences fun for both kids and adults

• The estimated entry fee is  £3.50 to £5.00 per person (cash only at the gate), but once inside, all rides, shows, and attractions are completely free.
• There is strictly no parking on site. Visitors are encouraged to walk, use local bus services (like the X2 from Bridgend to Porthcawl), or utilize the designated drop-off point on the B4622. 
• A wide selection of local food, craft, and trade stalls operates throughout the day. You should bring cash, as vendors are typically cash-only.

You can stay up to date on ride lineups by checking the Broadlands Fun Day Website.

STEM Ambassadors - Introduction to the platform. August 26  3pm - 3.45pm online

Join one of these training sessions to find out more about the STEM Ambassadors platform. You will be shown how to log your hours and find upcoming volunteering opportunities, plus other key features. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.Book your place here

September

Digital Citizenship in the Classroom - 24 September online

This course prepares educators to navigate the positive and negative aspects of digital citizenship. Participants will explore technical threats such as malware and phishing alongside pedagogical strands including Image and Identity, Digital Wellbeing, and Online Bullying. It emphasizes the impact of online relationships (eg online misogyny) and the critical evaluation of information (misinformation, misinformation, and misinformation). More details and booking here

Physics at Work 2026 Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th September, 9:00-12:05 and 13:00-16:05

In 2026, the Cavendish will hosted the 42nd annual Physics at Work Exhibition at the Ray Dolby Centre, Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge.

Physics at Work aims to show 14-16yr olds the variety of careers to which study in Physics can lead and the range of practical problems that physics can be used to solve. This event is open to all schools and is free.

The exhibition is run in a similar way each year, based upon interaction between active scientific researchers and students. This will help to inform and spread the excitement of modern physics research to students who will soon be making career and examination choices, and is a vital component in encouraging the next generation of scientists.

The Physics at Work Exhibition runs over three days, with two sessions on each day. This event is centred around approximately 20 exhibitors and is held at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge. Some of the exhibitors are from research groups within the Cavendish Laboratory and the others are from industry, including companies such as Rolls-Royce Plc., Domino Printing Services and the AWE.

Each half-day session typically has a capacity for about 450 students. The students are split into small groups of around 25 and are accompanied by a teacher as they follow a route defined by the organisers. Each small group, with its teacher, visits six exhibits over a period of about three hours, including a short break halfway through. Each exhibit last 20 minutes and usually consists of a short presentation, practical demonstrations, an opportunity for hands-on involvement and time for asking questions. An online booklet of information is provided to support the exhibition, allowing teachers to bring ideas back into their lessons later in the year. This structured approach has developed over time and allows the students to engage thoroughly with the science on display.

The Physics at Work Exhibition is an integral part of the Cavendish Laboratory's outreach and engagement activities, funded by the Department of Physics, Institute of Physics, and generous donations

Thanks to a generous legacy, we are able to offer support schools with regards to the cost of travel and lesson cover.  Please contact Dr Nicki Humphrey-Baker if you have any questions.

October

The National Education Show 2026 Show Utilita Arena Cardiff on Friday 2 October 2026.

The day is designed to provide opportunities and new ways to improve and raise standards, enhance learning experiences and support learners. A must-attend event for everyone working in education including early years, primary, secondary, HE and FE. An ideal way to optimise your CPD training and explore products and services through an action packed day.

View seminars HERE!
Download Cardiff  2026 Show Brochure HERE!

World Teachers’ Day

World Teachers’ Day is held annually on 5 October to celebrate all teachers around the globe. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions. The Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel was adopted in 1997 to complement the 1966 Recommendation by covering teaching personnel in higher education. World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994.

It is a day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally. (Picture© UNESCO/Erika Pineros). More information here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2026 - The Silver Edition - Monday October 5th online

M1: (17:00) David Farley, Institute of Physics - "Developing and Supporting New Teachers of Post 16 Physics"

Starting to teach post 16 physics can be a daunting prospect. It often falls to experienced colleagues to help coach colleagues who are at the start of their post 16 journey. Time however is short, and coaching can often be reduced to prep-room chats about content and teaching order. This session is designed to help make coaching time more effective.

M2: (18:00) Dr David Richardson MBE, Clifton College Bristol - "The Wonder of Waves'

This specialized teacher CPD workshop, delivered by Dr  David Richardson, Clifton College, Bristol equips educators with powerful pedagogical strategies to confidently deliver the GCSE syllabus. The session focuses on breaking down complex concepts like transverse and longitudinal waves, frequency equations, and the electromagnetic spectrum into easily digestible classroom explanations. 

M3: (19:00) Dr Marie Gorman, Sussex University -  "Lone Mathematical Genius or Conceptual Teamplayer: Training the Next Generation of Scientists"

Are students mathematically or conceptually driven in their approach to physics? How do teamwork experiences influence this?I will introduce the CLASS survey and research on what student's beliefs about studying physics entails, challenges with teamwork and how as educators we can encourage students to be self-reflective, aware, teamplayers and tackle problems from a variety of angles.

To book and for more information go here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2026 - The Silver Edition - Tuesday 6 October online

T1: (17:00) Dr James de Winter, Cambridge University -"Great Minds on Physics Education"

What are some of the most useful books and papers for anyone interested in physics teaching. This session will summarise the highlights, what to read, why, and what it might mean for your classroom. From abstracted wisdom to practical ideas and all points in between. Y

T2: (18:00) Dr Mark Walley, Chester University - "Physics, why should we be so bothered?"
When a student asks us about the purpose of what we're teaching them what do we say? Do we believe that what we teach is genuinely useful? Do we think that by teaching physics we have improved both career opportunities and the chances of lifelong engagement with physics?

T3: (19:00) Dr Kevin O'Keeffe, Swansea University - "From Ultrafast Lasers to Student Projects: Modern Optics in Physics Education"

Optics is a subject that naturally spans fundamental physics, modern research, and practical experimentation. This talk will describe how these different aspects are brought together within undergraduate physics teaching.

To book and for more information go here

Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 2026 - The Silver Edition Wednesday 7 October  online

W1: (17:00) Prof Jim Al Khalili CBE FRS, Surrey University "On Time: The Physics that Makes the Universe Tick"

Despite our ever-deepening understanding of the physical universe, we have yet to reach a consensus on the nature of time: does it flow like a river, carrying us along, or does it flow past us? What is the meaning of "now", the ever-shifting boundary between the future and the past? 

W2: (18:00) Dr Sarah Roberts, Swansea University “Connecting Classrooms with the Cosmos: Modern Astronomy, Real Data, and Outreach”

Modern astronomy is undergoing a revolution, with new telescopes and instruments transforming our understanding of the universe. This talk explores how these advances can be translated into meaningful classroom experiences.Focusing on opportunities such as robotic telescopes, citizen science, and outreach programmes, I will demonstrate how students can interact with real data and even contribute to authentic scientific investigations.

To book and for more information go here

 25th IOP Welsh Physics Teachers Conference 9th October 2026

For all teachers and technicians of Physics we welcome you to join the Welsh Physics Teachers Conference Brecon 2026. This special anniversary promises to be a fabulous free week of presentations and workshops, with opportunities to learn, reflect and network with colleagues.

The Conference will be held at Christ College, Brecon on Friday 9 October (09.30-16.15), where we will be joined in the morning by: Dr Nic Bonne, Portsmouth university; Professor Paul Howarth: CBE FREng FInstP FNucl (IOP's President), Helen Francis: Domain Leader - Maths and Science at WJEC and Euan Bodenham UCL.

A technician's workshop will run on the morning where Nick Mitchener (Physics Technician, Ferndown Upper School) will lead a workshop focusing on practical . There will be a choice fo workshops in the afternoon. All  state schoool teachers are eligble to apply for a £300 bursary via Boosting Science Education in Wales. More details and booking here

Super Science Saturday 10th October 2026 - Brecon High School LD3 9SR

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: The Crazy Weather Show, Frozen! and lots of magic 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. More information and booking here

Swansea Science Festival  30-31 October 2026

Wales’s largest science festival is back for its 10th year!

Swansea Science Festival is back, and you’re invited to celebrate a decade of discovery, creativity and curiosity. 

Designed for visitors of all ages, the festival returns with hands-on activities, inspiring talks and groundbreaking research, bringing science to life in exciting and unexpected ways. 

Register your interest now to be the first to hear about events, ticket releases and programme highlights.

November

Tomorrow's Engineers Week 2026  9 to 13 November.

Inspire your students with exciting engineering and technology careers during Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, an engaging annual event in school calendars. The week gives students an opportunity to spark ideas and consider how they could tackle local and global challenges in their future careers.

More information about events here