Learning Areas
Teaching Standards
General Description
This workshop is designed to provide science teachers the time and space to analyse the new syllabi and prepare for its implementation by creating an inquiry-based teaching and learning program and a standards-based depth study.
Their efforts will be shared on a moodle forum so that participants may benefit from the collective efficacy of the group.
Audience
Stage 6 Science teachers
Available Delivery Formats
Format Description
COVID-19 Event Information
All TTA venues continue to work with advice provided by the NSW Health Department in managing the risks associated with the current COVID-19 situation. While the current risk is low, TTA venues will be taking steps to help provide a safe environment for our courses. There will be increased cleaning and disinfecting of all areas, and venues will be providing ample hand sanitiser pumps. While venues will be taking all the care that they can, we also stress the need for course participants to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them. If you are not feeling well or showing symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t attend this event. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid shaking hands where possible. Practice cough etiquette, coughing into a tissue or your elbow and washing your hands afterwards. Thank you for your understanding.
The workshop will be a blended delivery that accesses online resources.
Teaching Standards
3.3.2 Proficient Level – Use teaching strategies
5.3.2 Proficient Level – Make consistent and comparable judgements
6.3.2 Proficient Level – Engage with colleagues and improve practice
Are you in NSW? If so, this is relevant for you
Completing this course will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Registered PD addressing 3.3.2, 5.3.2 & 6.3.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
This course contributes to 5.0 professional development hours.
Occurrences
There are no occurrences of 1. Face to Face in Australia (NSW - Accredited) at this time.
Sessions
Inquiry-based syllabus
1 hour
Discussion of “Working Scientifically” outcomes: their significance and how they can be addressed
Depth Studies
2 hours
Presenter will provide some examples of depth studies and their standards-based marking rubrics.
Participants will engage with the rubrics to score some sample responses.
Participants will create and share their own depth study.
Programming for inquiry-based learning
2 hours
The new syllabuses embrace an inquiry-based learning model.
Presenters will provide examples of a topic program that use a 5E inquiry-based sequence.
Participants will collaboratively produce a program for one Inquiry Question from the syllabus suitable for their school. Group efforts will be shared online.
What To Bring
A wifi enabled laptop
User Rating
4.5Latest Reviews
Please note the feedback listed here is unfiltered, and includes all comments and ratings collected.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Excellent sharing of resources. All online accessable for later and could refer to while going. Excellent time for programming wich teacher never have enough time for.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Relaxed presentation style, ample time and assistance. This course came at a great time. I will be using the resouces with my collegues
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
AMAZING! Learnt more today than days of meetings and programming. Jim makes everything clear , both for teachers and kids. All enquiry based learning.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Wonderful ideas and great collaboration! Very helpful and gives a much better idea of how to structure Stage 6 programs.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Jim was excellent with providing examples and outlining various pedagogical methods. I got a lot out of this course and found it interesting and very helpful!
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Content excellent. Presentation – challenging to locate some material
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Clear and helpful.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
I would have liked more resources to share. But it was very insightful.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Sample rubrics for Depth Studies along with student work samples were great.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
The Programming was not as valuable, to me, as the Depth Study session. I would have liked more time on it.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Good insight into new Stage 6 syllabus (depth studies + programming in particular). Also working scientifically.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Too much on things already known (scientific skills) and not enough on new to course ‘depth studies’. More time on suggestions and practice.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Good insight into how to begin the process of depth studies.
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Good resources!
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
I have left feeling more confident in setting up depth studies. Thank you!
Stage 6 Science Programming & Depth Studies
Good focus on Depth Studies rubrics. Good example of applying 5e’s to programming. Will investigate further.
About the team

Jim Sturgiss
Creator
Improving outcomes through aligned teaching practice synergies.
Jim is an educational researcher and independent educational consultant. A recipient of the NSW PTC Distinguished Service Award for leadership in delivering targeted professional learning to teachers, he works with schools to align assessment, reporting and learning practice. He has been a DoE Senior Assessment Advisor where he developed many statewide assessments, (ESSA, SNAP, ELLA, BST) and as Coordinator: Analytics where he developed reports to schools for statewide assessments and NAPLAN.
Selected NSW Department of Education and Communities appointments
2015 Analytics, Systems and Development Coordinator
2012 – 2013 School Assessment Design and Development Acting Coordinator (ESSA)
2007 – 2010 Head Teacher Science, Newtown High School of Performing Arts
2004 – 2005 Senior Assessment Officer, Computer Skills Assessment (CSA6)
2004 Test Development Officer, Secondary Numeracy Assessment Program (SNAP)
2000 – 2004 Head Teacher Science, Concord High School
1998 – 2000 Senior Assessment Officer, English Language and Literacy Assessment (ELLA)
Teaching Qualifications
1993 – 1997 M.Ed. (Hons) University of New England (Thesis: Literacy & learning in Science)
1979 Dip. Ed. University of Wollongong
1976 – 1978 B.Sc. University of Wollongong (Majors in Chemistry and Bioenergetics)