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Stuart Farmer

@stuartphysics.bsky.social
591 followers 254 following 232 posts

Science and Physics education stuff plus a bit of bike sport and veg. Education and Workforce Manager at Institute of Physics Scotland and Associate Fellow at University of Stirling Curriculum Centre. Comments all own.

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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 15h
Another excellent post by @ensermark.bsky.social on the also excellent Curriculum Reform Handbook from Learning First’s Ben Jensen and @heatherbellaf.bsky.social. Good advice for curriculum-makers at all levels from classrooms to government agencies.
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Drew Burrett @drewburrett.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I haven't blogged in years, but prompted by an email @qualifications.gov.scot I've dusted off some old ideas... drewburrett.substack.com/p/revisiting... Please feel free to comment and share.
drewburrett.substack.com
Revisiting Assessment & Certification
(and tentatively returning to sharing my thoughts)
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It was great to welcome 100 science educators to @enuteachered.bsky.social yesterday for a great day of high quality subject-specific professional learning. Thanks to all the speakers, exhibitors, IOPS Coaches, ASE Scotland committee members and the Education Academy Scotland who made it possible.
Stuart Farmer of the Institute of Physics Scotland welcomes delegates  to the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.Heather Earnshaw gives the keynote talk at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.IOP stand in the exhibition area at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.IOP Scotland Physics Coach presents a session on teaching space science at the BGE Sciences Conference at Edinburgh Napier University.
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Bruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Power Up Your Curriculum is published this week! Here’s what @daisychristo.bsky.social has to say about it👇 Pre-order here: amzn.eu/d/0gLrLxqv
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Really pleased to see this report published. Without sufficient physics teachers to teach physics knowledge and skills to young people we will find it difficult in the future to thrive as a nation and society or to have well rounded, educated citizens.
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The Stirling Curriculum Centre (SCC) @curric-stir.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Join us on Thursday 17 Sept (4-6pm) for our first SCC webinar of the new academic year. David Gregory and Stuart Farmer will present 'Curriculum-making in the meso-level: lessons from a local authority'. Sign up at www.tickettailor.com/events/facul...
tickettailor.com
Select tickets – Curriculum-making in the meso-level: lessons from a local authority – MS Teams
Curriculum-making in the meso-level: lessons from a local authority – MS Teams, Thu 17 Sep 2026 - This webinar examines how two Associate Fellows of the Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Ma...
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A significant issue in curriculum making identified by @ensermark.bsky.social “A curriculum can print “key concepts” at the top of every unit and still not have settled what one is, let alone what to do with it.” enserm.substack.com/p/concepts-i...
enserm.substack.com
Concepts in the Geography Curriculum
Part 1: What Do We Mean by a Geographical Concept?
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Dr Barry Black @barryblackne.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
One issue that must be considered in amongst Scotland’s PISA results today is that it is one of very few objective measures of our system. Objective measures have been systematically dismantled over the years, leaving us reliant on these studies that come every few years
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The 6th and final blog in my recent series on curriculum development and instructional design is at stuartphysics.co.uk The series ended up being a bit longer than I envisaged when I started but I hope the background and more practical examples are of interest and use to some. #TheoryIntoPractice
stuartphysics.co.uk
Stuart Physics
Education and Physics Stuff
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
"We meet the child where they are, but we refuse to leave them there." "Attainment describes a present state; it does not reveal a future limit. Confusing the two is one of the most damaging mistakes an education system can make." Another thoughtful blog from @markmccourt.bsky.social
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
As expected, the latest report from @profcoe.bsky.social and @profkime.bsky.social at @evidencebased.education is a good read. See evidencebased.education/professional.... Improvement in student learning needs improvement in classroom interactions which needs us to build teacher expertise.
evidencebased.education
Professional Learning Revolution
Support the Professional Learning Revolution. Help make professional learning protected, evidence-informed and taken seriously.
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Another excellent blog from @ensermark.bsky.social. In the last few days he has considered curriculum making and curriculum reform in England which overlaps with many issues I have written about with regard to reforms in Scotland at stuartphysics.co.uk. Different starting points, same destination?
stuartphysics.co.uk
Stuart Physics
Education and Physics Stuff
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The 6th and final blog in my recent series on curriculum development and instructional design is at stuartphysics.co.uk The series ended up being a bit longer than I envisaged when I started but I hope the background and more practical examples are of interest and use to some. #TheoryIntoPractice
stuartphysics.co.uk
Stuart Physics
Education and Physics Stuff
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Mark Enser @ensermark.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
People are starting to write the obituary for England's "knowledge-rich" era. Before we bury it, I wanted to check something - was it ever really alive? enserm.substack.com/p/the-knowle...
enserm.substack.com
The knowledge-rich revolution that never was
Part 1: Before we write the obituary, it’s worth checking the patient was ever alive.
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Bryn @brynspiration.com · 27/08/2026
Number crunching 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ITE Maths teachers target: 250 Actual number recruited: 73, the worst in years Maths vacancies right now, weeks into the school year: 16 What’s the plan?
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Riding With Robots @ridingrobots.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
From NASA: It happened again! Here's Phobos passing in front of the Sun as seen by the Perseverance rover from the surface of Mars on Aug. 12. science.nasa.gov/photojournal...
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Very much looking forward to reading @profkime.bsky.social and @profcoe.bsky.social have to say in this new paper. I definitely agree that many teachers have never experienced good professional learning.
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Evidence Based Education @evidencebased.education · 24/08/2026
We Need a Revolution in Professional Learning. In this short preview, @profcoe.bsky.social and @profkime.bsky.social explore why that matters, what the revolution could look like, and how schools, colleges and educators can get involved. The paper will be published on 5 September 2026. Stay tuned
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Paul Cochrane @mrdissent.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Why? To avoid the shambolic "one night ahead" CFE approach. Gives time to assess, hone and plan. BTW... We haven't even looked at assessment and homework.
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
For various reasons @mrdissent.bsky.social, I thought I would use some of my time over the last few weeks to put some of my experience and thinking on curriculum making in the sciences down in writing. I hope that some in Scotland might find it interesting and useful in the coming months and years.
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Paul Cochrane @mrdissent.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Outstanding Stuart. Especially the comment that teachers should not be left to develop courses alone. (Did you mean unsupported)
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
In the 4th blog in the series I look at the purpose and detailed content of a curriculum strand on the properties of matter stuartphysics.co.uk/2026/08/20/s... @colinmcgill.bsky.social @drewburrett.bsky.social @mrdissent.bsky.social @andrewkbailey13.bsky.social @brucenextlevel.bsky.social
stuartphysics.co.uk
Some thoughts on curriculum development and instructional design: Part 4 – Matter matters!
In this blog I would like to consider the purpose and content of a properties of matter strand in a science curriculum. It follows on from the previous blogs in the series where I set out some theo…
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
When can we move beyond correlation to causation? Curriculum-making analysis and observation using curricula and PISA scores from several countries. I wonder if the trends will continue when the 2025 PISA results are published next month? Third blog in a series. stuartphysics.co.uk/2026/08/19/s...
stuartphysics.co.uk
Some thoughts on curriculum development and instructional design: Part 3 – Learning from elsewhere
In the first two blogs in this series, I have discussed some of the theoretical frameworks that can be used in curriculum and instructional design and then a case study describing the development o…
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The second instalment is now posted. It looks back on a research-informed bit of classroom curriculum-making that I conducted over 30 years ago, and some lessons I learned then and observations I have made since. More to follow. stuartphysics.co.uk @dnleslie.bsky.social @brucenextlevel.bsky.social
stuartphysics.co.uk
Stuart Physics
Education and Physics Stuff
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I have posted the first in a series of blogs where I discuss curriculum making and instructional design in the context of Properties of Matter, see stuartphysics.co.uk. More to follow in the next few days. @colinmcgill.bsky.social @drewburrett.bsky.social @andrewkbailey13.bsky.social
stuartphysics.co.uk
Stuart Physics
Education and Physics Stuff
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
If you need a metaphor for the fact that billionaires and supposed trickle down economics don’t care or work for the rest of us then this sums it up. Responding to a distress call is a longstanding duty following the sinking of the Titanic and is just human decency. www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
nbcnews.com
Mark Zuckerberg’s mega-yacht didn’t respond to call for help from small boat in Alaska
When the captain of the boat that did respond announced Zuckerberg’s cruiser was closer and hadn’t answered the call, “there was near unanimous booing,” a passenger said.
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Bruce Robertson @brucenextlevel.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Next Level Educational is looking to recruit a new Professional Development Lead. 🚀 Lead professional development for schools
 🚀 Expand membership of the Teaching PowerUps platform
 🚀 Contribute to the strategic development of Next Level Educational nextleveleducational.com/recruitment
nextleveleducational.com
Recruitment — Next Level Educational | Professional Development for Teachers & Leaders | Bruce Robertson - The Teaching Delusion - Power Up | UK
Discover books by Bruce Robertson - including "The Teaching Delusion 3: Power Up Your Pedagogy"
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Carl Hendrick @carlhendrick.substack.com · 09/08/2026
NEW POST: You can't apply the science of learning to materials that weren't designed for it. Retrieval practice is a curriculum property, not a teaching technique. carlhendrick.substack.com/p/retconning...
carlhendrick.substack.com
Retconning the Curriculum: Why The Science of Learning Has a Serious Design Problem
Retrieval practice is a continuity feature not a classroom activity
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Greg Ashman @gregashman.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
NEW FREE POST Education’s dark matter There is no evidence to inform most of what we do fillingthepail.substack.com/p/educations...
fillingthepail.substack.com
Education’s dark matter
There is no evidence to inform most of what we do
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 31/07/2026
Families in Dublin, are you looking for something free, fun and educational to do with the kids this summer holidays? Join Mimi & her friends on her latest adventure through at our summer exhibition Mimi and Friends’ Big Earth Adventure. 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mimi-and-f... @iopireland.bsky.social
eventbrite.co.uk
Mimi and Friends' Big Earth Adventure - Dublin Exhibition
Visit our hands-on exhibition and fuel your imagination with experiments, demonstrations and puzzles.
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Astronomer Royal for Scotland | Catherine Heymans @astroroyalscot.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
This w/end's little snippet from my new book is from Chpt1 where we're asking "What is light?" Dear 🇺🇸US friends hoping you have a good chuckle at me attempting an American accent, rather than being affronted! #BookSky 🔭 📖: www.bloomsbury.com/uk/how-to-de... 📽️: www.youtube.com/shorts/-RIPE...
youtube.com
Chapter 1: Light Available to Preorder now!
YouTube video by Astronomer Royal Scotland Prof Catherine Heymans
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 24/07/2026
Got a great idea to make physics fun for families? Get up to £4,000 to bring it to life with the IOP Public Engagement Grant Scheme. Workshops, festivals, new initiatives - all welcome. Applications open until 7 September: www.iop.org/about/suppor...
Image of a family at an IOP Family event working on an experiment with an IOP volunteer guiding them.
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Association for Science Education @associationscied.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Kick-start your career with this one-day online course, designed specifically for new secondary school science technicians. 💻 Delivered live on Zoom with expert guidance, demonstrations, and opportunities to ask questions. 👉 Find out more and book your place today! ow.ly/ETO450ZltLV
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Dr Dan Jones @hookean.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Thankful to the ASE editorial team and pleased to see my vibe coding article published in the latest edition of the School Science Review journal🙂 #iTeachPhysics #Science 🧪 www.ase.org.uk/resources/sc...
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 09/07/2026
Congratulations to Ariana from Ashmole Academy, who received a Highly Commended Award in the Age 11 category of #TheEurekas26! Her video entry, My Home is the Worst Home Ever, imaginatively explores how physics and emerging technologies could improve everyday homes. theeurekas.co.uk/submissions/...
theeurekas.co.uk
Highly Commended: My Home is the Worst Home Ever - The Eurekas – A Limit Less Challenge
Congratulations to Ariana from Ashmole Academy, who received a Highly Commended Award in the Age 11 category. In her entry, My Home is the Worst Home Ever, Ariana explored how science and new technolo...
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 09/07/2026
Congrats to Anna (Nord Anglia International School Dublin) who received a Highly Commended Award in the Age 13 category of #TheEurekas26! Her animated video explains how solar panels generate electricity & why they’ll play a key role in creating sustainable homes. theeurekas.co.uk/submissions/...
theeurekas.co.uk
Highly Commended: The Physics of Solar Energy - The Eurekas – A Limit Less Challenge
Congratulations to Anna from Nord Anglia International School Dublin, who received a Highly Commended Award in the Age 13 category. In her entry, The Physics of Solar Energy, Anna explored how solar e...
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 08/07/2026
Congratulations to Alex from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, winner of #TheEurekas26! Alex’s comic, The Physics Behind a Better Future, brilliantly shows how physics can help create more sustainable homes using solar panels, battery storage and insulation. 🔗 theeurekas.co.uk/submissions/...
theeurekas.co.uk
Winning entry: The Physics Behind a Better Future - The Eurekas – A Limit Less Challenge
Congratulations to our 2026 winner, Alex from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield. In his entry, The Physics Behind a Better Future, Alex explored how physics can help make homes more future-read...
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
Thought provoking blog from @markmccourt.bsky.social
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Prof Mark Priestley @markrpriestley.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A huge congratulations to my friend, colleague and co-author, Walter Humes. Yesterday, he received an Honorary Doctorate from University of Stirling for his lifelong achievement and service to education.
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Lost Glasgow @lostglasgow.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Good to see that the George Washington statue in Boston is now wearing the appropriate headgear. Pic: Dan Witzke
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Institute of Physics @iop.org · 02/06/2026
There's just days left to enter #TheEurekas26 - the deadline is 8 June! If you know a young person aged 11 to 16 in the UK or Ireland, don't let them miss this exciting chance to win up to £1000/€1200. 🔗 For more info, inspo and to enter: theeurekas.co.uk
The image features a rectangular banner with the Institute of Physics (IOP) logo. The text reads: "The Eurekas: How can physics help make your home ready for the future?" The background has abstract geometric shapes.
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IOP Scotland @iopscotland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
On Wednesday we spent the day with physics teachers at the 51st Stirling Physics Teachers’s Meeting, enjoying, talks, parallel sessions, exhibitions, and sharing of the latest on the Curriculum Improvement Cycle. A warm thank you to everyone who contributed and participated.
Man in front of a big screen and facing a group of people.
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
A recorded message from Andreas Schleicher of OECD at #SonS2026. @missmcf.bsky.social, I think you will be happy with part of his message.
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
The Science on Stage 2026 Festival is opened in style by the President of Lithuania and Lithuania’s Minister of Education, Science and Sport
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I completed my 100th parkrun (all walked rather than run) and 25th volunteer milestones at Hazlehead parkrun this morning. Thanks to all the volunteers that make parkrun happen every Saturday morning.
Me standing in a park wearing a blue parkwalk vest behind the Hazlehead parkrun signMe walking down a tarmac path in Hazlehead Park with a stick and wearing a blue parkwalk vest.
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Stuart Farmer @stuartphysics.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Looking forward to a bit of weekend reading @enlightenscot.bsky.social
Cover of Prof. Lindsay Paterson’s latest book ‘Lessons from Scottish Schools:Why Knowledge Matters’.
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Association for Science Education @associationscied.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
ASE Scotland Conference 2026 is next week! ⏳ Join us on 30 May 2026 at Kinross High School for a fantastic day of inspiration, ideas, and science education. There is still time to book those remaining tickets! 🎟️ Book now and don’t miss out! ow.ly/pbYf50YBFSB
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SCILT @scilt.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Come and see SCILT at this year’s Glasgow Science Festival! The Sustainable Designs for Living and Learning team will be at the Botanic Gardens on Saturday 13 June 'Sowing Seeds of Languages'. Find out more! loom.ly/Prk8B0o
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IOP Scotland @iopscotland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Today is exam day for Nat 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher physics, and we want to wish all the candidates our very best—with today’s endeavours and future studies and careers in physics.
Young people sitting at desks writing an exam.
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Paul Kirschner @paulkirschner.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Our colleagues at @deansforimpact.bsky.social just released The Science of Learning, 2nd ed! #TheScienceOfLearning2 includes updated research, pitfalls to avoid, and more, grounded in our best scientific understanding of how students learn. #EduSky www.deansforimpact.org/thescienceof...
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