Early Career Teachers - A 2 year programme of support for Secondary science teachers

This session provided an overview of the structure, purpose and delivery of the two‑year support programme designed for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) in secondary science. Rooted in the Early Career Framework (ECF), the programme aims to develop confidence, subject knowledge and pedagogical expertise through a sustained sequence of training and guided practice.

Participants revisited the core principles of the ECF and explored how it informs the full two‑year induction period. The session highlighted how the programme supports science teachers in areas such as assessment, curriculum planning and data analysis, with a clear focus on the particular demands of teaching secondary science. Attention was given to how these elements combine to form a coherent developmental pathway that promotes long‑term professional growth.

A key feature of the session was the inclusion of examples of activities drawn from the diverse range of training within the programme. These examples illustrated how the training translates into practical classroom strategies and how mentors and science leads can use the materials to structure ongoing support. The activities also demonstrated the programme’s emphasis on applying research-informed approaches within real teaching contexts.

By the end of the session, participants had a clearer understanding of the aims and structure of the two‑year ECT support programme, the science-specific focus areas embedded within it, and how to plan impactful, sustained support. The discussion also emphasised the programme’s role in promoting teacher confidence, retention and professional progression.