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All Professional Learning
SASTA Professional Learning
Download the 2026 Professional Learning Calendar (PDF) to see what's on offer. Keep an eye on this page for event registrations when available.
Please note: If you require an invoice for school payment, please simply select Bank Transfer at the payment option during your booking. This will email you an invoice - please wait approximately 15 minutes for this to come through.
Cancellation policy:
Notice of cancellation received more than 48 hours before the event will incur a standard $50 administration processing fee, any registration fees received in addition to this amount will be refunded. For cancellation notice received less than 48 hours before the event, registration fees unfortunately cannot be refunded.
Should SASTA need to cancel or reschedule a professional learning event, then all registered delegates can opt either to receive a full refund or have their registration transferred to the rescheduled event.
Are you a SASTA Member? You can receive discounted / free professional learning!
Find out all the member services you could receive as part of the SASTA science community and join here.
2026 Dealing with AI in Science Workshop
Presenter: Jarrod Johnson, Pulteney Grammar School
An open, collaborative space to explore how AI can support and enhance teaching practice. This session will focus on practical ways to reduce workload, create
engaging learning experiences, and streamline tasks such as planning and administration using tools like ChatGPT. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or seeking new ways to integrate it into your classroom, you’ll gain actionable ideas, shared experiences, and hands-on examples to help make your
teaching journey more efficient, impactful, and inspiring.
Details
Date:
Time: 9.00 am - 3.00 pm
Venue: Education Development Centre
Bookings close: 18/03/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $160.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $160.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $205.00 |
| Non-Member (1 day) | $250.00 |
| SASTA Student Member (1 day) | $55.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching (1 day) | $160.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching (1 day) | $160.00 |
Description
Presenter: Jarrod Johnson, Pulteney Grammar School
An open, collaborative space to explore how AI can support and enhance teaching practice. This session will focus on practical ways to reduce workload, create
engaging learning experiences, and streamline tasks such as planning and administration using tools like ChatGPT. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or seeking new ways to integrate it into your classroom, you’ll gain actionable ideas, shared experiences, and hands-on examples to help make your
teaching journey more efficient, impactful, and inspiring.
2026 Strategies for Metacognitive Thinking Workshop
Presenter: Renee Rees, Cardijn College
This interactive professional development session explores how explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies can enhance student learning, engagement, and independence.
Participants will unpack what metacognition looks like in practice and learn how to embed it within existing routines and curriculum. Drawing on high-impact teaching strategies and cognitive load theory, the session models a range of classroom-ready approaches that help students plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking. Educators will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussion, and structured reflection, leaving with practical tools and strategies to implement immediately. Follow-up opportunities allow teachers to share implementation experiences and deepen their understanding of metacognitive instruction.
Details
Date:
Time: 9.00 am - 3.00 pm
Venue: Education Development Centre
Bookings close: 19/03/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $160.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $160.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $205.00 |
| Non-Member (1 day) | $250.00 |
| SASTA Student Member (1 day) | $55.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching (1 day) | $160.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching (1 day) | $160.00 |
Description
Presenter: Renee Rees, Cardijn College
This interactive professional development session explores how explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies can enhance student learning, engagement, and independence.
Participants will unpack what metacognition looks like in practice and learn how to embed it within existing routines and curriculum. Drawing on high-impact teaching strategies and cognitive load theory, the session models a range of classroom-ready approaches that help students plan, monitor, and evaluate their thinking. Educators will engage in hands-on activities, collaborative discussion, and structured reflection, leaving with practical tools and strategies to implement immediately. Follow-up opportunities allow teachers to share implementation experiences and deepen their understanding of metacognitive instruction.
Session 1: What is metacognition
Session 2: Creating a resource
Session 3: Doodle Notes
Session 4: Mapping to a unit plan
Please bring along a laptop and unit plan or outline suitable for your context to use in the sessions.
"I went into this workshop with only the prior knowledge that metacognition is 'thinking about thinking', and was worried it'd be a lot of information from literature. Instead, the presenter demonstrated a range of practical strategies and resources to support metacognition. I have already started incorporating some of these ideas into my practice, especially as my senior classes are coming up to their exams!"
2026 SASTA Annual Conference
The 2026 SASTA Annual Conference theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites educators to explore how we nurture curiosity in science classrooms—from the first question to the final reflection. Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and this year’s theme highlights the teaching practices, learning environments and real-world connections that help students stay engaged, ask better questions and think deeply about the world around them.
Details
Date:
Time: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Venue: Morialta Secondary College
Earlybird cutoff: 20/03/2026
Bookings close: 08/04/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Earlybird price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Member (1 day) | $275.00 | $315.00 |
| Personal Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| Personal Member - Lab Officer (1 day) | $115.00 | $160.00 |
| SASTA Student Member (1 day) | $38.00 | $72.50 |
| Corporate Member (SA School) (1 day) | $210.00 | $250.00 |
| Corporate Member (Business or Interstate School) (1 day) | $210.00 | $250.00 |
| Life Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| Retired Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| Presenter (Non-Member) (1 day) | $135.00 | $160.00 |
| Presenter (Member) (1 day) | $72.00 | $95.00 |
| Presenter (Corporate - SA School) (1 day) | $105.00 | $125.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching SASTA Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching SASTA Member (1 day) | $145.00 | $190.00 |
| Type | Earlybird price | Regular price |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Member (2 days) | $420.00 | $460.00 |
| Personal Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| Personal Member - Lab Officer (2 days) | $190.00 | $230.00 |
| SASTA Student Member (2 days) | $62.00 | $125.00 |
| Corporate Member (SA School) (2 days) | $325.00 | $370.00 |
| Corporate Member (Business or Interstate School) (2 days) | $325.00 | $370.00 |
| Life Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| Retired Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| Joint Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| Presenter (Non-Member) (2 days) | $315.00 | $345.00 |
| Presenter (Member) (2 days) | $175.00 | $205.00 |
| Presenter (Corporate - SA School) (2 days) | $245.00 | $275.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching SASTA Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching SASTA Member (2 days) | $230.00 | $275.00 |
| Presenter Non-Commercial (Member) (2 days) | $175.00 | $205.00 |
| Exhibitor Registration (2 days) | N/A | $90.00 |
| Exhibitor Registration (2 days) | N/A | $90.00 |
Description
The 2026 SASTA Annual Conference theme, Cultivating Curiosity, invites educators to explore how we nurture curiosity in science classrooms—from the first question to the final reflection. Curiosity is at the heart of scientific thinking, and this year’s theme highlights the teaching practices, learning environments and real-world connections that help students stay engaged, ask better questions and think deeply about the world around them.
2026 MEMBERS FREE Webinar Series: Digital Tools to Engage the Modern Learner
Presenter: Jakob Roth, Mercedes College
Intended audience: junior secondary (7-10)
Discover several free and simple digital tools that require minimal preparation time which can be used to supplement existing lessons which engage students and offer unique insights. OneNote as a learner management tool will be shared to showcase how it can be used to streamline lessons and help students stay organised. Several Lesson Starters for Mathematics will be shared that motivate students and practice fundamental skills. To generate interest and spark curiosity, Desmos Classroom can be used to guide students in all key concept areas in Mathematics. Formative assessment tools using Quizizz will be shared and how best to manage these tools effectively for improved student learning outcomes.
Details
Date:
Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Online
Bookings close: 05/05/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Membership - Business or Interstate School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Student Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Life Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Retired Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Complimentary Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
Description
Presenter: Jakob Roth, Mercedes College
Intended audience: junior secondary (7-10)
Discover several free and simple digital tools that require minimal preparation time which can be used to supplement existing lessons which engage students and offer unique insights. OneNote as a learner management tool will be shared to showcase how it can be used to streamline lessons and help students stay organised. Several Lesson Starters for Mathematics will be shared that motivate students and practice fundamental skills. To generate interest and spark curiosity, Desmos Classroom can be used to guide students in all key concept areas in Mathematics. Formative assessment tools using Quizizz will be shared and how best to manage these tools effectively for improved student learning outcomes.
2026 MEMBERS FREE Webinar Series: Unlock AI's transformative power in your school
Presenter: Chris Bush, AI for Education Expert
In this webinar, AI expert and Leading Teacher Chris Bush will teach you how to harness ChatGPT and AI for revolutionary results. You’ll learn how to use AI for planning, assessment, marking, and more. Join us to discover the power of AI to transform your classroom and school so you can work smarter, not harder.
Details
Date:
Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm
Venue: Online
Bookings close: 19/05/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Membership - Business or Interstate School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Student Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Life Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Retired Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
Description
Presenter: Chris Bush, AI for Education Expert
In this webinar, AI expert and Leading Teacher Chris Bush will teach you how to harness ChatGPT and AI for revolutionary results. You’ll learn how to use AI for planning, assessment, marking, and more. Join us to discover the power of AI to transform your classroom and school so you can work smarter, not harder.
What you'll learn:
- Transform planning: Craft compelling, AI-generated term outlines, lesson plans and assessments in seconds, complete with activities, solutions and rubrics.
- Personalise every path: Quickly design differentiated, tailored learning journeys that are adapted to individual student needs and strengths.
- Maximise your time: Streamline feedback and grading using AI, freeing teachers for deeper student interactions.
- Introduce and embed AI: Develop guidelines around the safe and appropriate use of AI in your context, bringing along all community members.
What you’ll leave with:
- Expert mentoring: Receive personalised support and strategies from a Leading Teacher and AI specialist.
- Ready-to-use prompts: Explore a curated library of classroom-tested prompts to spark immediate AI integration.
- Prompt mastery: Learn the techniques to craft your own powerful AI prompts with an easy-to-follow guide.
- Discover the best AI tools and policies: Access handpicked resources and policies that will lead to the most impactful AI integration for your classroom and school setting.
About the Presenter
Chrisopher Bush, Head of Student Voice and Leadership at University High School, is an AI for education expert who helps teachers unlock the full potential of AI. He guides aducators in creating engaging, student-centered experiences while streamlining work and mazimising their impact. With his expertise, you'll discover how AI can transform you school.
2026 MEMBERS FREE Webinar Series: Preparing Students for Online Exams
Presenter: Sarah Shoobridge, Scotch College
Intended audience: junior secondary (7-10),senior secondary (10-12)
As online assessments become increasingly common in schools, early career teachers play a crucial role in helping students navigate this shift with confidence. This practical session will explore strategies for preparing students for online exams, focusing on both technical readiness and cognitive skills. We'll cover how to build familiarity with digital platforms, manage time effectively in an online environment, and support students in developing typing stamina, digital literacy, and exam mindset. The session will also include tips for designing formative tasks that mirror online exam conditions, and how to reduce anxiety by embedding small habits into everyday learning. Whether you're supporting students through high-stakes assessments or low-pressure practice, this workshop will equip you with tools and approaches to set them and yourself up for success.
Details
Date:
Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Online
Bookings close: 04/06/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Membership - Business or Interstate School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Student Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Life Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Retired Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Complimentary Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
Description
Presenter: Sarah Shoobridge, Scotch College
Intended audience: junior secondary (7-10),senior secondary (10-12)
As online assessments become increasingly common in schools, early career teachers play a crucial role in helping students navigate this shift with confidence. This practical session will explore strategies for preparing students for online exams, focusing on both technical readiness and cognitive skills. We'll cover how to build familiarity with digital platforms, manage time effectively in an online environment, and support students in developing typing stamina, digital literacy, and exam mindset. The session will also include tips for designing formative tasks that mirror online exam conditions, and how to reduce anxiety by embedding small habits into everyday learning. Whether you're supporting students through high-stakes assessments or low-pressure practice, this workshop will equip you with tools and approaches to set them and yourself up for success.
2026 MEMBERS FREE Webinar Series: Ediacara in the Classroom: Bringing Fossils to Life
Presenter: Sarah Todd, Coromandel Valley Primary School & Miriam Doull, Mitcham Primary School
Intended audience: primary (R-6) teachers, junior secondary (7-10) teachers, senior secondary (11-12) teachers
The Flinders Ranges of South Australia contain some of the world’s most significant Ediacaran fossil sites and visible geological record from the Ediacaran to the Cambrian, providing a powerful context for teaching deep time, early life, and Australia’s contribution to global science.
This presentation showcases teaching resources developed by South Australian primary and secondary educators who participated in the SASTA scholarship program to visit the active research site, supported by the Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation. Ranging from Years R- 10, the resources include hands-on fossil simulations, visual reconstructions of Ediacaran organisms, interactive timelines, and place-based learning materials linked to the Flinders Ranges and Nilpena Ediacara National Park.
Details
Date:
Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
Venue: Online
Bookings close: 16/06/2026
Event Pricing
| Type | Regular price |
|---|---|
| Personal Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Member - SA School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Corporate Membership - Business or Interstate School (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 1st Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| 2nd Year of Teaching Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Student Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Joint Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Life Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Retired Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
| Complimentary Member (1 day) | $0.00 |
Description
Presenter: Sarah Todd, Coromandel Valley Primary School & Miriam Doull, Mitcham Primary School
Intended audience: primary (R-6) teachers, junior secondary (7-10) teachers, senior secondary (11-12) teachers
The Flinders Ranges of South Australia contain some of the world’s most significant Ediacaran fossil sites and visible geological record from the Ediacaran to the Cambrian, providing a powerful context for teaching deep time, early life, and Australia’s contribution to global science.
This presentation showcases teaching resources developed by South Australian primary and secondary educators who participated in the SASTA scholarship program to visit the active research site, supported by the Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation. Ranging from Years R- 10, the resources include hands-on fossil simulations, visual reconstructions of Ediacaran organisms, interactive timelines, and place-based learning materials linked to the Flinders Ranges and Nilpena Ediacara National Park.
Approaches for differentiating content across primary and secondary settings are highlighted, as well as Science as a Human Endeavour in action at Nilpena. The resources can support teachers to make concepts such as deep time, fossilisation processes, adaptations of living things, and early ecosystems accessible and engaging.
By empowering teachers through professional learning grounded in a globally significant local site, this work demonstrates how place-based education can foster curiosity, scientific literacy, and stewardship of Australia’s unique geological and palaeontological heritage.