This is a one-day Masterclass, sharing up-to-date research on retrieval practice and memory strategies. It is an opportunity to hear from fellow educators about effective classroom practice and to learn more about digital tools that can support you and your students. This will take place 09:45 - 16:00 at Bristol Aquarium 7th March 2026.

What will be covered in the event?

The programme will focus on 2 main themes

1. Embedding learning throughout the course: We will explore effective, evidence-based practice and current research on how students can learn and retain knowledge over time.
2. Revision strategies: How can we teach effective revision strategies and support students as they prepare for exams? How can we make best use of lesson and intervention time to build their knowledge and skills so they can access as many marks as possible?

The key areas the Masterclass will cover are:

• Latest approaches to learning, metacognition, retrieval practice and most recent research on memory strategies
• What works - effective revision techniques and demonstrations.
• Digital tools and platforms – making sense of what’s available, how to use it.
• Differentiation and adaptation strategies, ensuring an inclusive approach and support for learners with additional needs, including neuro diverse students.

Keynote - Karen Collins

Karen Collins, Head of Curriculum at PiXL with over 20 years of science-teaching experience, will deliver an insightful keynote exploring effective revision techniques and how to implement them. Karen will discuss research around revision, including the forgetting curve, the procrastination scallop, and Dunlosky’s finding, as well as sharing practical strategies you can use with your students.

This is a full-day event (09:45–16:00) featuring talks, workshops, and discussions designed to give you opportunities to learn, share your experience and ideas and leave you brimming with ideas. Whether you’re new to teaching or have decades of experience, your questions and insights will be invaluable.

The provisional programme is:

09.45 – 10.15            Registration & Exhibition: Tea/Coffee (included in ticket price)

10.15 – 11.15            Keynote: Karen Collins ‘Revision Techniques and How to Implement Them’ With time for reflection and discussion.

11.15 – 12.00            Choice of two 45 min workshops

12.00 – 12.45            Lunch & Exhibition (included in ticket price)

12.45 – 13.15            Accessing and Using Data with Educake

13.15 – 14.15            Keynote 2, with time for reflection and discussion

14.15 - 15.00             Choice of two 45 min workshops

15.00 – 15.15            Break and refreshments (included in ticket price)

15.15 – 15.45            Preparing your students for their GCSEs with AQA

15.45 – 16.00            Reflections on the day

16.00 – 17.00            Option to visit Aquarium at discounted price (not included in ticket price)

16.00 onwards          Social – Join the ASE West of England committee, get to know your local network and learn more about ASE in your region.

Not a member of the ASE yet? Now’s the perfect time to join! Membership starts at only £45 for teachers, £25 for technicians, and is completely free for students. Enjoy a wide range of benefits, including free and discounted CPD, resources, best practice support, journal access, and more.

Since 1903, AQA has been rewarding achievement by designing and delivering fair and inclusive assessment. The most chosen exam board in England, setting and marking the papers for around half of all GCSEs and A-levels. AQA’s qualifications are taught in 30 countries around the world.