ASE has been saddened to hear of the death of David Moore, former Chief Executive of ASE. He passed on 3rd February aged 84. David led our organisation for many years and through a period of significant development for both science education and our organisation. We share some details of his work for ASE. 

David was a member of ASE from 1966. He held the Annual Meeting/Conference Secretary role for a number of years and took up post as General Secretary in 1989. He was at the time Chair-elect of ASE and was Deputy Head at Cauldon Castle School in Coventry. He later commented,

His appointment coincided with a period of significant change with the introduction of a new National Curriculum. 

He said of this period, ‘…It was evident that the arrival of the new National Curriculum was going to have a significant impact, and that both help and guidance together with a national voice on this development, would be needed.’ 

What followed was a period of intense work, producing supporting materials, and joint working with other subject associations. 

David’s tenure also saw the development of a number of influential publications and resources including ‘Science and Technology in Society’ (SATIS) and the subsequent ‘Science Across the World’ programme , which went on to reach some 2,000 schools in nearly 50 countries. Another significant project under David’s leadership was ASE INSET Services, which offered specialised in-service training focusing on health and safety, laboratory management and in particular, helping heads of department develop safety procedures. These services, alongside materials like ‘Safe and Exciting Science (2nd edition), provided much needed support to teachers and technicians in maintaining safe school science environments. 

David was also instrumental in the development of a localised support structure, using ‘Field Officers’ to support regional activity. 

Tributes from former colleagues, include reference to his role in developing structures within the UK regions:

Alan Rhodes, ASE Honorary Member, former committee member, trustee and ASE Field Officer 'David was instrumental in me working for ASE. It was his ethos I valued. He understood that the long-term survival of ASE depended upon those members who helped out feeling needed and valued …and it was this ethos that I supported in the Regions. David was approachable and appreciated advice and briefings which enabled him to keep his finger on the membership's pulse.'

Roger McCune, ASE Honorary Member and former committee chair and Trustee Treasurer ‘David had a passion for science and science education. He loved his job at ASE.  I last saw him I think five years ago at an Annual Conference we spoke for a good hour and put the world to rights.’ 

Marianne Cutler, ASE Director of Policy and Curriculum Innovation, ‘David understood the power of a thriving and engaged membership organisation in effecting change, and through his strategic leadership and business acumen successfully led ASE through challenging times, influencing major changes to curriculum, assessment, and professional learning in science education. After retiring from ASE, David continued to follow ASE’s fortunes and attended our annual conference every year, particularly engaging with our international and social programmes, enjoying catching up with colleagues and old friends. On a personal note, I’m indebted to David for his encouragement throughout to look beyond the obvious, push boundaries, build the case for change, whilst supported by our expert and experienced membership, and partners.’

Jane Giffould, ASE Honorary Member, former local committee member and Field Officer, 'Back in the 90s I well remember David.  I was on the International Committee and we persuaded David that it would be a good idea to work with Malawi to help them re-establish their Science Teachers' Association of Malawi (STAM) and that to go out to their conference would be very constructive.  Searching the internet it appears that STAM could still be in action.  Thank you David.'

If you have any thoughts or reflections you’d like to share about David and add to this tribute, please do email comms@ase.org.uk    

David is survived by his wife, Julie as well as extended family. They have shared details of his funeral, which will be held on Friday the 6th of March at 10:00 am, in Hampton-In-Arden, full address: 

St Mary And St Bartholomew Church
High Street
Hampton-In-Arden
Solihull
B92 0AE