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 Plant Science Summer School July 2019
"This has been thoroughly inspirational", "Brilliant", "Loved it", "The lectures from the experts were thought-provoking and well delivered". (2014 participants' feedback)
Sunday 30th June - Wednesday 3rd July 2019
This course gives a select group of post-16 biology teachers the opportunity to join a plant science summer school hosted by some of the leading lights in biology, ecology and plant science.
The programme aligns with the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for biology undergraduates, and shares some of its inspiring practical workshops, contemporary plant science research updates, and discussions on the importance and relevance of plant science.
For more details, and to apply for a place on the Plant Science Summer School please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your name, job title, school/college and how many years you have been teaching post-16 biology. We will then send you an application form. The deadline for application forms to be returned is 9am, Friday 24th May 2019.
Practicals will include:
- Plant Pathology - Track pathogen infections with FERA scientists using PCR and identify common plant pathogens.
- Cell Biology - Use confocal microscopes to experience real-time cell processes visualised with fluorescent proteins.
- Plant Development - Unravel the secrets behind the spiral and body form patterns, programme your own flower plan and re-create plant forms in-silico.
- Plant ID - Experience a foolproof way to identify and plant to family level and practice your field ID skills.
Lectures for 2019:
- “Food for the future demands radical agriculture: the C4 rice challenge"
- “Studying a plant virus: from fundamental research to applications and back again"
- "Ecological monitoring with citizen science"
- “Birds, bees and bright blue leaves: Investigating the function of plant iridescence”
- “GeoNutrition: spatial aspects of hidden hunger”
You can read more about the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School for undergraduates here: www.gatsbysummerschool.org.uk (Please note that the end date for undergraduates differs from the course end date for teachers.)
Highlights from previous years' speakers can be seen on our 5 minute YouTube taster videos.
Accommodation and bursaries
This residential summer school takes place at the end of the summer term, near York. You’ll stay in accommodation close to the summer school venue. A bursary is available (£650) to eligible schools to cover costs and to support the implementation of your professional development. Course participants from fee paying schools will be required to pay for their accommodation (£219) and travel expenses.
Developing new teaching resources
Inspired by the sessions, you will be supported - during the summer school and afterwards - in producing new teaching and learning resources relevant to current post-16 biology specifications. In time, these will be disseminated via the SAPS website, the ASE annual conference, and the network of Science Learning Centres. The aim is to engage other teachers and students, in line with the mission of the summer school to inspire and motivate future plant scientists. Gatsby, SAPS and STEM Learning Centre value excellent teaching about plants in schools and colleges: this summer school is one way to support and encourage enthusiastic teachers.
One exciting teaching resource developed from the 2010 Summer School is 'An investigation into transpiration using infra-red thermometers'. The Summer School inspired Bev Goodger, a teacher from Sir John Deane's College, Cheshire to design a practical for schools based around an original investigation at the summer school.
Our 'Deadly diseases and plant pathology' resource was developed by teacher Sarah Bayliss after attending the 2011 Summer School.
CSI Trees was developed by Sarah Owens-Hughes and 'How healthy are your trees?' was developed by Julie Bourne, both after attending the 2013 Summer School
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.
