Welsh Physics Teachers Conference Brecon 2026, Fri 9 Oct

For all teachers and technicians of Physics we welcome you to join the Welsh Physics Teachers Conference Brecon 2026. This special anniversary promises to be a fabulous free week of presentations and workshops, with opportunities to learn, reflect and network with colleagues.

The Conference will be held at Christ College, Brecon on Friday 9 October (09.30-16.15), where we will be joined in the morning by: Professor Paul Howarth: CBE FREng FInstP FNucl (IOP's President), Helen Francis: Domain Leader - Maths and Science at WJEC.

A technician's workshop will run on the morning where Nick Mitchener (Physics Technician, Ferndown Upper School) will lead a workshop focusing on practical Physics.

Teachers do not need to register for the morning talks; but do need to register their choices for the afternoon workshop A and workshop B.

Technicians do not need to register for the morning workshop. They will need to register for their choice of afternoon workshops alongside the teachers.

Teachers in state-funded schools in Wales attending this conference can apply for a Welsh Government funded bursary to part cover the cost of supply and travel. If you wish to apply for a bursary please tick the appropriate box during registration; we will send you details.

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F1: (09.45 -10.40) IOP President: Professor Paul Howarth CBE FREng FInstP FNucI

F2: (10.30 -11.15) GCE and GCSE update / Helen Francis, Domain Leader - Maths and Science, WJEC / Diweddariad TAG a TGAU / Helen Francis, Arweinydd Parth - Mathemateg a Gwyddoniaeth, CBAC

Helen will provide an update on the GCSE and GCE Physics examinations. / Bydd Helen yn rhoi diweddariad ar yr arholiadau TGAU a TAG Ffiseg.

F3: (11.15 -12.00) Dr Nic Bonne, Public Engagement and Outreach Fellow, Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth.Cymrawd Ymgysylltu Cyhoeddus ac Allgymorth, Sefydliad Cosmoleg a Disgyrchiant, Prifysgol Portsmouth.

Astronomy is a topic that engages and inspires a wide range of audiences around the world, but the blind and low vision (BLV) community can often find it difficult to engage with the subject due to its very visual nature. The Tactile Universe is a multi-award-winning public engagement project based at the University of Portsmouth which is opening up current topics in astrophysics research to the BLV community through accessible multi-sensory resources created using real astrophysical data. In this talk, Project Lead Dr Nic Bonne will speak on his own experiences as a blind student and academic, showcase the project's resources, how they have been created in collaboration with the BLV community and how they are used to inspire students and create inclusive educational experiences.

Mae seryddiaeth yn bwnc sy'n ennyn diddordeb ac yn ysbrydoli ystod eang o gynulleidfaoedd ledled y byd, ond gall y gymuned ddall a golwg isel (BLV) ei chael hi'n anodd ymgysylltu â'r pwnc oherwydd ei natur weledol iawn. Mae'r Bydysawd Cyffyrddol yn brosiect ymgysylltu cyhoeddus arobryn sydd wedi'i leoli ym Mhrifysgol Portsmouth sy'n agor pynciau cyfredol mewn ymchwil astroffiseg i gymuned BLV trwy adnoddau amlsynhwyraidd hygyrch a grëwyd gan ddefnyddio data astroffisegol go iawn. Yn y sgwrs hon, bydd Arweinydd y Prosiect, Dr Nic Bonne, yn siarad am ei brofiadau ei hun fel myfyriwr dall ac academydd, yn arddangos adnoddau'r prosiect, sut y cawsant eu creu mewn cydweithrediad â chymuned BLV a sut y cânt eu defnyddio i ysbrydoli myfyrwyr a chreu profiadau addysgol cynhwysol.

F4: (12.00-12.15) Cefin Campbell MS

F5: (12.15-12.30) Ewan Bodenham

Ewan is the lead author of the new paper detailing the discovery of Galahadosuchus jonesi, a crocodylomorph dating to around 215 million years ago. The discovery has been named in honour of David Rhys Jones, a secondary school physics teacher from Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi.

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(09.45 – 12.00) FTECH1: Nick Mitchener RSciTech - Physics Technician / Technegydd Ffiseg, Ferndown Upper School, Dorset

This hands-on workshop, led by experienced technician Nick Mitchener RSciTech, is tailored for physics technicians seeking to refine their skills. A simple make and take where you will take away one transmitter and one receiver but can easily make more yourself for a class set. They can be used with years 9-13 to explain Doppler effect, young's slits and reflection. Participants will learn tips for focusing on safety as well as being able to network with colleagues from across the country.

Mae'r gweithdy ymarferol hwn, dan arweiniad y technegydd profiadol Nick Mitchener RSciTech, wedi'i deilwra ar gyfer technegwyr ffiseg sy'n ceisio mireinio eu sgiliau. Gweithdy syml lle byddwch chi'n adeiladu un trosglwyddydd ac un derbynnydd ond gallwch chi wneud mwy eich hun yn hawdd ar gyfer set dosbarth. Gellir eu defnyddio yng nhyd- destun Blwyddyn 9-13 i egluro Effaith Doppler, holltau Young ac adlewyrchiad. Bydd cyfranogwyr yn dysgu awgrymiadau ar gyfer canolbwyntio ar ddiogelwch yn ogystal â chael cyfle i rwydweithio â chydweithwyr o bob cwr o'r wlad.

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IN THE AFTERNOON, TECHNICIANS CAN OPT TO ATTEND THE TEACHER WORKSHOPS

YN Y PRYNHAWN, GALL TECHNEGWYR DDEWIS GWEITHDAI ATHRAWON

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A1: Dr Dan Jones - Monmouth School

Using AI to Create Physics simulations, apps and resources

This practical, insight-rich workshop helps physics educators translate complex educational research into live classroom practice. Participants will analyse proven pedagogical techniques, discover strategies to boost student engagement, and leave with ready-to-use materials.

Defnyddio AI i greu efelychiadau, apiau ac adnoddau Ffiseg

Mae'r gweithdy ymarferol, llawn mewnwelediad hwn yn helpu addysgwyr ffiseg i drosi ymchwil addysgol gymhleth yn ymarfer ystafell ddosbarth byw. Bydd cyfranogwyr yn dadansoddi technegau addysgeg profedig, yn darganfod strategaethau i hybu ymgysylltiad myfyrwyr, ac yn gadael gyda deunyddiau parod i'w defnyddio.

A2: Prof Paul Roche and Tony O'Sullivan - Cardiff University

Planet Hoppers - Gamification in Physics Education
Planet Hoppers is an educational initiative being developed at Cardiff University to make astronomy and space science accessible, exciting, and inclusive for pupils aged 8-16. Through gamified learning, specially designed card games, VR environments and classroom resources, we aim to spark curiosity, foster scientific understanding, and open doors to future STEM pathways for students from all backgrounds.
Working alongside researchers, educators, and teachers, we have created a suite of engaging and scientifically informed resources that captivate imaginations and align with curriculum goals.
Star Sailors and Stellar Careers celebrate diversity, showcasing real-world space careers. Exoplanet Explorers uses data from exoplanet research, allowing pupils to learn about worlds beyond our Solar System, as well as the process of scientific discovery.
Our classroom programmes are being evaluated as part of a PhD research programme, and we are keen to explore co-creation ideas with educators. Come along and play some (science) games!

Planet Hoppers - Gemau mewn Addysg Ffiseg
Mae Planet Hoppers yn fenter addysgol sy'n cael ei ddatblygu ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd i wneud seryddiaeth a gwyddor y gofod yn hygyrch, yn gyffrous, ac yn gynhwysol i ddisgyblion 8-16 oed. Trwy ddysgu gyda gemau gemau cardiau wedi'u cynllunio'n arbennig, amgylcheddau rhith-realiti ac adnoddau ystafell ddosbarth, ein nod yw ennyn chwilfrydedd, meithrin dealltwriaeth wyddonol, ac agor drysau i lwybrau STEM yn y dyfodol i fyfyrwyr o bob cefndir.
Gan weithio ochr yn ochr ag ymchwilwyr, addysgwyr ac athrawon, rydym wedi creu cyfres o adnoddau deniadol a gwybodus yn wyddonol sy'n swyno'r dychymyg ac yn cyd-fynd â nodau'r cwricwlwm.
Mae "Star Sailors" a "Stellar Careers" yn dathlu amrywiaeth, gan arddangos gyrfaoedd gofod yn y byd go iawn. Mae Exoplanet Explorers yn defnyddio data o ymchwil exoplanedau, gan ganiatáu i ddisgyblion ddysgu am fydau y tu hwnt i'n System Solar, yn ogystal â'r broses o ddarganfod gwyddonol.
Mae ein rhaglenni ystafell ddosbarth yn cael eu gwerthuso fel rhan o raglen ymchwil PhD, ac rydym yn awyddus i archwilio syniadau cyd-greu gydag addysgwyr. Dewch draw i chwarae rhai gemau (gwyddoniaeth)!

A3: Alessio Bernardelli - Insitute of Physics

Using AI in Physics Teaching and Learning

AI has been developing and growing at really high pace and it is hailed by many as an opportunity for unprecedented progress and by others as the root of all evils. But how can we use it safely, ethically and effectively to support our students' learning?
In this workshop we will explore the potential of AI in resource design, assessment and planning. There will be opportunities to try different tools and strategies and to share best practice among colleagues, so bring your ideas and experience to a table that shifts almost weekly in terms of the capabilities and potential of such tools.

Defnyddio AI mewn Dysgu ac Addysgu Ffiseg

Defnyddio AI mewn addysgu a dysgu ffisegMae deallusrwydd artiffisial wedi bod yn datblygu ac yn tyfu ar gyflymder uchel iawn ac mae llawer yn ei ganmol fel cyfle i wneud cynnydd digynsail a chan eraill fel gwreiddyn pob drwg. Ond sut allwn ni ei ddefnyddio'n ddiogel, yn foesegol ac yn effeithiol i gefnogi dysgu ein myfyrwyr?
Yn y gweithdy hwn, byddwn yn archwilio potensial deallusrwydd artiffisial mewn dylunio, asesu a chynllunio adnoddau. Bydd cyfleoedd i roi cynnig ar wahanol offer a strategaethau ac i rannu arfer gorau ymhlith cydweithwyr, felly dewch â'ch syniadau a'ch profiad i fwrdd sy'n newid bron yn wythnosol o ran galluoedd a photensial offer o'r fath.

A4: David Williams - Physics in the Freezer

Introduction to Liquid Nitrogen

Topics from primary school science right the way through to A-level Physics in the sixth form can be brought alive with liquid nitrogen. The substance has many applications not just teaching about states of matter and the gas laws, but also for helping to demonstrate engaging phenomena across magnetism and electrical resistance, with exciting opportunities for extension at all levels.
This workshop will cover some considerations for safe working with liquid nitrogen, where supplies can be obtained from, and a variety of engaging demonstrations that can be performed with the substance. The demonstrations will include traditional favourites and some more unusual ones, including a model of Hero’s Engine, a look at the Curie Temperatures of a variety of materials, and will have a section on superconductivity at the end – including quantum flux pinning, something which everyone should see for themselves at least once!

Cyflwyniad i Nitrogen Hylifol mewn gwersi Ffiseg

Gellir bywiogi pynciau o wyddoniaeth ysgol gynradd hyd at y chweched dosbarth gyda nitrogen hylifol. Mae gan y sylwedd lawer o gymwysiadau nid yn unig addysgu am gyflyrau mater a'r deddfau nwy, ond hefyd ar gyfer helpu i ddangos ffenomenau deniadol ar draws magnetedd a gwrthiant , gyda chyfleoedd cyffrous ar gyfer estyniad ar bob lefel.
Bydd y gweithdy hwn yn ymdrin â rhai ystyriaethau ar gyfer gweithio'n ddiogel gyda nitrogen hylif, o ble y gellir cael cyflenwadau, ac amrywiaeth o arddangosiadau deniadol y gellir eu perfformio gyda'r sylwedd. Bydd yr arddangosiadau'n cynnwys ffefrynnau traddodiadol a rhai mwy anarferol, gan gynnwys model o Beiriant yr Arwr, golwg ar Dymheredd Curie amrywiaeth o ddefnyddiau, a bydd adran ar uwchddargludedd ar y diwedd - gan gynnwys pinio fflwcs cwantwm, rhywbeth y dylai pawb ei weld drostynt eu hunain!

A5: Ingrid Murray - Isaac Physics

Regular use of Isaac’s free online learning platform for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Further Maths will boost your students’ aspirations, attainment and success in gaining and meeting offers at high tariff universities (UCAS, 2025). It’s free to use, saves 44 teachers on average 4 hours a week on planning and marking and we are in the process of translating our resources into Welsh! We even have ready-made lessons for classes, revision workshops and cover sessions. This session will get you started with an Isaac Teacher Account, demonstrate the full functionality of the Isaac website and connect you with the supportive Isaac Community.

Ffiseg Isaac: Bydd defnydd rheolaidd o blatfform dysgu ar-lein rhad ac am ddim Isaac ar gyfer Ffiseg, Cemeg, Bioleg, Mathemateg a Mathemateg yn hybu dyheadau, cyrhaeddiad a llwyddiant eich myfyrwyr wrth ennill a chwrdd â chynigion mewn prifysgolion. Mae'n rhad ac am ddim i'w ddefnyddio, yn arbed 44 o athrawon ar gyfartaledd 4 awr yr wythnos ar gynllunio a marcio ac rydym wrthi'n cyfieithu ein hadnoddau i'r Gymraeg! Mae gennym hyd yn oed wersi parod ar gyfer dosbarthiadau, gwersi adolygu a sesiynau llanw. Bydd y sesiwn hon yn eich rhoi ar ben ffordd gyda Chyfrif Athro Isaac, yn dangos ymarferoldeb y wefan Isaac ac yn eich cysylltu â chymuned gefnogol Isaac.

A6: Dr Lawrence Cattermole - Institute of Physics

Physics behind the Wheel

Join us for Physics Behind the Wheel — where pedal power meets particle power. Using the excitement of cycling and the spirit of the Tour de France as inspiration, we’ll explore the physics that keeps bikes moving: gears, linear motion, graphs, and circular motion. Expect practical ideas, real-world links, and plenty of momentum to take back to the classroom.

Ffiseg y Tu Ôl i’r Olwyn

Ymunwch â ni am Ffiseg y Tu Ôl i’r Olwyn — lle mae pŵer pedalau’n cwrdd â phŵer gronynnau. Gan ddefnyddio cyffro beicio ac ysbryd y Tour de France fel ysbrydoliaeth, byddwn yn archwilio’r ffiseg sy’n cadw beiciau’n symud: gêr, mudiant llinol, graffiau, a mudiant cylchol. Disgwyliwch syniadau ymarferol, cysylltiadau byd go iawn, a dingo o fomentwm i’w mynd yn ôl gyda chi i’r ystafell ddosbarth.

A7 Dr Nic Bonne

Tactile Universe

The Tactile Universe is a multi-award-winning public engagement project at the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation created toengage the blind and low vision (BLV) community with our astrophysics research. Join this workshop to get hands on with our resources, find out how you can access them and how they can be used to create more inclusive approaches to learning in your school.

Y Bydysawd Cyffyrddol

Mae'r Bydysawd Cyffyrddol yn brosiect ymgysylltu cyhoeddus arobryn yn Sefydliad Cosmoleg a Disgyrchiant Prifysgol Portsmouth a grëwyd i ymgysylltu'r gymuned ddall a gwan ei golwg (BLV) â'n hymchwil astroffiseg. Ymunwch â'r gweithdy hwn i gael profiad ymarferol o'n hadnoddau, darganfod sut allwch chi gael mynediad atynt a sut y gellir eu defnyddio i greu dulliau mwy cynhwysol o ddysgu yn eich ysgol.

B1: Daniel Roberts - Instruments Direct Services Ltd

Winds of Change: Exploring Renewable Energy
Whether it's testing the efficiency of solar panels in a lab, or optimising the performance of a device, sensors are essential - without them, accurate testing simply wouldn't be possible. In this workshop we will;
> Investigate the testing of solar panels and explore the questions ""is there such a thing as bad light?""
> Dive into the wind turbine design based on a full-class STEM project.
> Explore the exciting world of fuel cells and their applications.
Join us to experience hands-on activities that bring real-world science and engineering to life!

Mae'r Gwynt yn Newid - Egni Adnewyddol
Os am brofi effeithlonrwydd paneli solar mewn labordy, neu'n optimeiddio perfformiad dyfais, mae synwyryddion yn hanfodol - hebddynt, ni fyddai profi cywir yn bosibl. Yn y gweithdy hwn byddwn yn:
> Ymchwilio i brofi paneli solar ac archwilio'r cwestiynau "a oes rhywbeth fel golau drwg?"
> Edrych ar ddyluniad tyrbin gwynt yn seiliedig ar brosiect STEM dosbarth llawn.
> Archwilio byd cyffrous celloedd tanwydd a'u cymwysiadau.
Ymunwch â ni i brofi gweithgareddau ymarferol sy'n dod â gwyddoniaeth a pheirianneg y byd go iawn yn fyw!

B2: Daron Harris - STEM Learning

Artifical Intelligence and the Science Curriculum

Explore how artificial intelligence can enhance science teaching in secondary classrooms. This professional learning equips teachers with practical tools, real classroom examples, and strategies to integrate AI safely and effectively into lessons.

Deallusrwydd Artiffisial a'r Cwricwlwm Gwyddoniaeth

Archwiliwch sut y gall deallusrwydd artiffisial wella addysgu gwyddoniaeth mewn ystafelloedd dosbarth uwchradd. Mae'r dysgu proffesiynol hwn yn rhoi offer ymarferol, enghreifftiau go iawn yn yr ystafell ddosbarth, a strategaethau i athrawon i integreiddio deallusrwydd artiffisial yn ddiogel ac yn effeithiol i wersi.

B3: Matthew Lewis - Hawarden High School

Making for Teachers
In this workshop, we will look at how cheap domestic 3d printers and other technologies can be used to enhance physics teaching across progress steps 4 and 5 through cost effective demos.

Creu ar gyfer Athrawon
Yn y gweithdy hwn, byddwn yn edrych ar sut y gellir defnyddio argraffwyr 3D domestig rhad a thechnolegau eraill i wella addysgu ffiseg ar draws camau cynnydd 4 a 5 trwy arddangosiadau cost-effeithiol.

B4: Dr Chris North - Cardiff University

Generation Tech

The "Generation Tech" workshop is designed to spark curiosity and passion for technology through real-world applications and teamwork, using interactive exploration and collaborative challenges, and introduces career pathways in Wales and further afield. As well as a facilitated session (Welsh language available), there are resources that can be delivered independently by teachers. Currently years 5-8, but being developed for older ages.

Cenhedlaeth Technoleg

Mae'r gweithdy "Generation Tech" wedi'i gynllunio i danio chwilfrydedd ac angerdd dros dechnoleg trwy gymwysiadau byd go iawn a gwaith tîm, gan ddefnyddio archwilio rhyngweithiol a heriau cydweithredol, ac mae'n cyflwyno llwybrau gyrfa yng Nghymru a thu hwnt. Yn ogystal â sesiwn wedi'i hwyluso (ar gael yn y Gymraeg), mae adnoddau y gellir eu cyflwyno'n annibynnol gan athrawon. Ar hyn o bryd ar gyfer blynyddoedd 5-8, ond yn cael eu datblygu ar gyfer oedrannau hŷn.

B5: Anthony Clowser - Ysgol Bryn Elian

The Physics Of Road Safety – A Year 9 to 10 Bridging Unit.
In this workshop we will look at the approach our school has taken to introducing the first Physics Unit in the new GCSE in The Sciences and linked to the Curriculum for Wales. Using examples of how we have embedded the work in our cynefin (local area) and built links with external agencies like North Wales Police, we will discuss how you could adapt the approach for your own setting.

Ffiseg Diogelwch Ffyrdd – Uned Bontio Blwyddyn 9 i 10.
Yn y gweithdy hwn, byddwn yn edrych ar y dull y mae ein hysgol wedi'i gymryd i gyflwyno'r Uned Ffiseg gyntaf yn y TGAU newydd yn y Gwyddorau ac wedi'i chysylltu â'r Cwricwlwm i Gymru. Gan ddefnyddio enghreifftiau o sut rydym wedi ymgorffori'r gwaith yn ein cynefin (ardal leol) ac wedi meithrin cysylltiadau ag asiantaethau allanol fel Heddlu Gogledd Cymru, byddwn yn trafod sut y gallech addasu'r dull ar gyfer eich lleoliad eich hun.

B6: Sue Carvell - Scientific Sue

An Interactive CPD Workshop for KS3 & KS4 Science Teachers

Join Scientific Sue for a lively, hands-on CPD workshop exploring the fascinating physics behind weather, extreme events, and climate change. Designed for KS3 and KS4 science teachers, this engaging session combines practical investigations, memorable demonstrations, and creative storytelling to help bring challenging concepts to life in the classroom.Through a series of 11 interactive activities, participants will investigate key ideas including air pressure, heat transfer, wind, cloud formation, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the science behind extreme weather events. From crushing cans and modelling tornadoes to creating storms inside balloons, the workshop is packed with practical demonstrations that encourage curiosity, discussion, and deeper scientific understanding.Throughout the workshop, teachers will explore how climate change is influencing weather systems, increasing rainfall intensity, and affecting our atmosphere and oceans. The activities are designed to support questioning, modelling, scientific enquiry, and cross-curricular learning opportunities.articipants will receive classroom-ready teaching notes and a kit of materials to allow many of the demonstrations to be recreated back at school.

Gweithdy DPP Rhyngweithiol ar gyfer Athrawon Gwyddoniaeth CA3 a CA4

Ymunwch â Scientific Sue am weithdy DPP bywiog ac ymarferol sy'n archwilio'r ffiseg ddiddorol y tu ôl i'r tywydd, digwyddiadau eithafol, a newid hinsawdd. Wedi'i gynllunio ar gyfer athrawon gwyddoniaeth CA3 a CA4, mae'r sesiwn ddiddorol hon yn cyfuno ymchwiliadau ymarferol, arddangosiadau cofiadwy, ac adrodd straeon creadigol i helpu i ddod â chysyniadau heriol yn fyw yn yr ystafell ddosbarth. Trwy gyfres o 11 gweithgaredd rhyngweithiol, bydd cyfranogwyr yn ymchwilio i syniadau allweddol gan gynnwys pwysedd aer, trosglwyddo gwres, gwynt, ffurfio cymylau, cylchrediad atmosfferig, ceryntau cefnforoedd, a'r wyddoniaeth y tu ôl i ddigwyddiadau tywydd eithafol. O falu caniau a modelu corwyntoedd i greu stormydd y tu mewn i falŵns, mae'r gweithdy'n llawn arddangosiadau ymarferol sy'n annog chwilfrydedd, trafodaeth, a dealltwriaeth wyddonol ddyfnach. Drwy gydol y gweithdy, bydd athrawon yn archwilio sut mae newid hinsawdd yn dylanwadu ar systemau tywydd, yn cynyddu dwyster glawiad, ac yn effeithio ar ein hatmosffer a'n cefnforoedd. Mae'r gweithgareddau wedi'u cynllunio i gefnogi cwestiynu, modelu, ymholiad gwyddonol, a chyfleoedd dysgu trawsgwricwlaidd. Bydd cyfranogwyr yn derbyn nodiadau addysgu parod ar gyfer yr ystafell ddosbarth a phecyn o ddeunyddiau i ganiatáu i lawer o'r arddangosiadau gael eu hail-greu yn ôl yn yr ysgol.

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