Primary Subject Leader Networks

Subject Leader Networks 2026/27

This programme is being delivered in partnership with RoSIS and will again be facilitated by colleagues from Rotherham and Sheffield.

Cost – The training courses listed on this page are included within the LS Education: Training subscription package. This package forms part of the School Improvement subscription but can also be purchased as a standalone offer. Settings that subscribe to this package receive unlimited access to the courses listed below, where available. For settings that do not subscribe, the cost to attend is £95 per session.

For any queries about the content of the programme or whether your setting has purchased this subscription, please contact enquiries@learnsheffield.co.uk.

Colleagues can book on the sessions below using the booking links.

 

Art & Design

Course Overview

Art plays a vital role in the primary school curriculum as it nurtures creativity, self- expression, and emotional development in young learners. Through drawing, painting, and other artistic activities, children learn to communicate ideas and feelings in ways that words sometimes cannot capture. Art also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills, supports fine motor development and encourages cultural awareness and appreciation. By integrating art into education, schools create a more balanced and enriching learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth.

Facilitated by April Taylor, RoSIS Associate Leader and teacher at Waverley Junior Academy

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

This session will explore how to adapt teaching approaches to ensure that all pupils can access and engage with the primary Art curriculum. It will consider practical strategies for supporting a range of needs, including scaffolding, differentiation, and inclusive classroom practices. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their current provision and share ideas with others. This session aims to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.

Wednesday 14 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 11 November 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Spring

This session focuses on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary Art. We will also consider how these different approaches align with Ofsted expectations and contribute to high-quality provision. There will be opportunities to discuss practical strategies and share ideas with colleagues.

Monday 15 March 2027, 3.45-5.45pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

This session will focus on how structured talk can support pupils in developing artistic understanding and reasoning. It will highlight practical strategies to promote purposeful discussion, questioning, and vocabulary development in the classroom.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on current practice and share approaches with others. This session aims to strengthen teaching and learning by placing oracy at the heart of primary Art.

Wednesday 26 May 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 23 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS Art.

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Computing

Course Overview

Our popular Computing Subject Leader Network Meetings are a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow as leaders in computing education. They allow leaders to stay informed about the latest curriculum updates and digital learning strategies; share best practices and classroom experiences with fellow computing leads; explore new tools, resources, and approaches to enhance computing teaching; and be part of a supportive network of professionals passionate about computing education.

Whether you're new to the role or an experienced subject leader, your insights and contributions are highly valued.

Facilitated by Catherine Moore, Education Consultant, Computing & Digital Innovation Service

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

Developing an inclusive Computing curriculum to enable all children to thrive.

Wednesday 14 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Monday 19 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Spring

Securing strong foundations for all pupils, including what computing looks like in the EYFS.

Monday 8 March 2027, 3.45-5.45pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Tuesday 9 March 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Summer

To be confirmed, but likely to be focussed on the new curriculum developments.

Monday 14 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 23 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS Computing.

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Design & Technology

Course Overview

Design & Technology Subject Leader Meetings are a fantastic opportunity for primary educators to come together, share ideas, and strengthen their leadership in this dynamic and creative subject.

These events, hosted by John Jefferies, a D&T consultant with extensive experience, are designed to meet the needs and expectations of both newly appointed and experienced D&T subject leaders. Each event will have a proposed focus however the events will also include:

  • updates on professional development opportunities
  • current initiatives
  • collaborative time to network with colleagues to enable the sharing of hints, tips and recommended resources.

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

Focused on developing an inclusive curriculum and teaching approaches for SEND and vulnerable learners.

This session will support subject leaders in strengthening their understanding of how to identify and remove barriers to achievement through thoughtful curriculum design, responsive formative assessment, and effective adaptation of teaching practice. Engage with practical strategies, share experiences with colleagues, and explore ways to ensure all pupils - particularly the most vulnerable - can access, participate in, and succeed within the D&T curriculum. Leave equipped with clear, actionable approaches to enhance inclusion and equity across your subject.

Wednesday 4 November 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Spring

Focus on Early Years and securing strong foundations for all pupils.

This session will explore how high-quality D&T experiences in the early years can support children’s creativity, problem-solving, and understanding of the world. Subject leaders will consider how to design and sequence learning to build essential skills from the very start, ensuring all pupils develop confidence and capability. Collaborate with colleagues, share effective practice, and gain practical ideas to strengthen provision in EYFS - setting every child on a pathway for success in Design & Technology.

Wednesday 28 April 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

The focus will be designed following delegate feedback and will include effectively assessing design technology; including adaptive teaching opportunities.

Wednesday 7 July 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS D&T.

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English

Course Overview

High-quality English in the primary school curriculum is essential for laying a strong foundation in communication, literacy, and critical thinking. It equips children with the ability to express themselves clearly, understand complex ideas, and engage confidently with the world around them. A rich and well-structured English curriculum fosters a love of reading and writing, enhances vocabulary, and supports learning across all subjects. By prioritising high standards in English from an early age, schools help ensure that pupils develop the skills they need to succeed academically and socially throughout their education and beyond.

Facilitated by Amy Parry-McDermott from RoSIS,

These sessions are an opportunity for schools to keep on top of the ever-changing educational landscape and hear about the latest information from the DfE, Ofsted and other national bodies as well as updates on current thinking, research and pedagogical developments. The meetings also offer a chance to explore resources and to network with other school leaders.

English Subject Leader Network Meetings for primary schools are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

A year after the publication of the Writing Framework, this session will enable leaders to evaluate and discuss the impact that this research has had on their early writing curriculum and consider their next steps for the following terms.

Tuesday 13 October 2026, 1.30-3.00pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Tuesday 20 October 2026, 1.30-3.00pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Spring

An online briefing session followed by an in-person workshop. This online session is set aside for the sharing of research-based practice. The focus will be reading fluency. The in-person workshop, as part of the Early Years Festival, will be facilitated by Sue Gregg & Lucy Marsh and will cover English, Early Reading, Early Handwriting and Oracy.

Tuesday 12 January 2027, 1.30-3.30pm, Online Book Now

Tuesday 16 March 2027, 3.45-5.45pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

Our final session will bring all English subject leaders together at Rockingham Professional Development Centre to work with a specialist (tbc) to enhance subject knowledge, leadership and practice.

Tuesday 8 June 2027, 9.00-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS English.

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Geography

Course Overview

High-quality geography education in the primary curriculum is vital for helping children understand the diverse and interconnected world they live in. It fosters a sense of place, identity, and global citizenship by encouraging pupils to explore physical landscapes, human environments, and the relationships between them. Through engaging lessons, children develop spatial awareness, map-reading skills, and an appreciation for environmental sustainability.

Geography also supports critical thinking and inquiry, enabling pupils to ask questions, interpret data, and consider different perspectives—skills that are essential for navigating an increasingly complex and globalised society.

The sessions are an opportunity for schools to keep on top of the ever-changing educational landscape and hear about the latest information from the DfE, Ofsted and other national bodies as well as updates on current thinking, research and pedagogical developments relevant to a particular area. The meetings also offer a chance to explore resources and to network with other school leaders.

Facilitated by Jon Cannell from the Geographical Association

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

Geography for all: this session will explore how to plan and deliver geography which supports every pupil to meet the intended learning outcomes of each lesson. We will focus on the use of geography’s practical pedagogies and real-world applications to help remove barriers to learning and stimulate a genuine interest and connection to the world.

Monday 5 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm, Online Finished

This online briefing will be followed by a full day of CPD. Taking place on Thursday 26 November 2026, 9.00-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC, lunch will be provided and the content shared early in the new academic year. Book Now

Spring

An online briefing session followed by an in-person workshop which will focus on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary geography.

Tuesday 12 January 2027, 4.00-5.30pm, Online Book Now

This online briefing will be followed by a half day workshop, as part of the Early Years Festival and will take place on Tuesday 9 March 2027, 3.45-5.45pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

Ofsted ready geography: the final session of the year will continue to support teachers to build an inclusive curriculum that is ambitious, evidence informed and meets the expectations of the revised curriculum. We will explore the importance of geography in pupils’ personal development, a subject which provides opportunities to build cultural capital, communication skills and enable pupils to become responsible, respectful and active citizens.

Thursday 10 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm, Online Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS Geography.

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History

Course Overview

History Subject Leader Meetings offer a rich opportunity for primary educators to deepen their understanding, share successful strategies, and strengthen their leadership in delivering engaging history education.

These sessions provide updates on curriculum expectations, practical ideas for teaching historical enquiry, and a chance to explore high-quality resources. By connecting with other subject leaders, teachers can build confidence, gain fresh inspiration, and ensure that history remains a vibrant and meaningful part of the school curriculum.

Facilitated by April Taylor, RoSIS Associate Leader and teacher at Waverley Junior Academy

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

This session will explore how to adapt teaching approaches to ensure that all pupils can access and engage with the primary history curriculum. It will consider practical strategies for supporting a range of needs, including scaffolding, differentiation, and inclusive classroom practices. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their current provision and share ideas with others. This session aims to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND.

Wednesday 21 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 18 November 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Spring

An online briefing session followed by an in-person workshop which will focus on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary history. We will explore how early exposure to historical experiences can be effectively embedded within EYFS practice to support long-term learning. We will also consider how these approaches align with Ofsted expectations and contribute to high- quality provision. There will be opportunities to discuss practical strategies and share ideas with colleagues.

Wednesday 3 February 2027, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

Summer

This session will focus on how structured talk can support pupils in developing historical understanding and reasoning. It will highlight practical strategies to promote purposeful discussion, questioning, and vocabulary development in the classroom. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on current practice and share approaches with others. This session aims to strengthen teaching and learning by placing oracy at the heart of primary history.

Wednesday 21 April 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 30 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS History.

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Languages (Key Stage 2)

Course Overview

KS2 Languages Subject Leader Meetings are a valuable opportunity for primary educators to strengthen their leadership and enhance language learning across the school. These sessions offer practical guidance, curriculum updates, and creative ideas for engaging pupils in language acquisition. By connecting with other subject leaders, teachers can share successful approaches, explore high-quality resources, and build confidence in delivering inclusive and inspiring language lessons. Whether you're new to the role or looking to refresh your strategy, these meetings provide the support and inspiration needed to make languages thrive in your school.

Facilitated by Ben Jacklin from Badsley Primary School

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

This session will focus on vulnerable groups, including SEND, how to adapt planning and quality first teaching to support progress of vulnerable learners and effective monitoring of progress.

Monday 5 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Finished

Spring

This session will identify how foundational skills in other subjects build into skills required for language learning in KS2 and explore end points for KS2 languages learning and transition to KS3.

Tuesday 23 March 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Summer

This session will build on discussions and priorities identified during the previous terms’ network meetings and will include sharing of examples of children’s work to identify strengths and next steps.

Thursday 10 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

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Maths

Course Overview

Maths Subject Leader Meetings are an essential opportunity for primary educators to strengthen their leadership and ensure high-quality maths teaching across the school. These sessions provide valuable updates on curriculum developments, assessment strategies, and effective teaching approaches that support deep mathematical understanding.

As a core subject, maths plays a vital role in developing pupils’ problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and confidence in applying knowledge to real-life situations. By attending these meetings, teachers can share best practices, explore new resources, and collaborate with colleagues to raise standards and inspire a love of maths in every classroom.

Facilitated by Gemma Briggs and Vicki John-Lewis from the South Yorkshire Maths Hub, on behalf of RoSIS and Learn Sheffield

Maths Subject Leader Network Meetings for primary schools are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

With a focus on Inclusion by Design - structuring lessons to prevent barriers before they arise, ensuring all pupils - especially those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) - can engage fully and actively.

Monday 12 October 2026, 1.30-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Thursday 19 November 2026, 1.30-3.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Spring

An in-person workshop, as part of the Early Years Festival, and a repeated version focussing on recognising the importance of the early years in shaping children's future outcomes, including their success in maths.

Wednesday 17 March 2027, 1.30-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Tuesday 23 March 2027, 1.30-3.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Summer

Our final session, as in previous years, will be the annual Maths Conference. The finer details will be circulated in the new year, but the focus will be developed in line with emerging priorities.

Thursday 8 July 2027, 9.00-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS Maths.

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Music

Course Overview

Music Subject Leader Meetings provide a valuable space for primary educators to collaborate, share ideas, and strengthen their leadership in delivering high-quality music education. Music plays a vital role in children's development—enhancing creativity, building confidence, supporting emotional wellbeing, and fostering teamwork and self-expression. These meetings offer practical support, curriculum updates, and inspiring examples of how music can be embedded across the school.

By attending, teachers can connect with colleagues, explore new resources, and ensure that music continues to enrich the lives of every child.

Facilitated by Kathryn Hathaway and Becky Stroud, Music Hubs

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn

This session will focus on SEND/Disadvantages/EAL groups

Monday Monday 28 September 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Finished

Wednesday 7 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Finished

Spring

An online briefing session followed by an in-person workshop which will focus on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary music.

Thursday 11 March 2027, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

Tuesday 16 March 2027, 3.45-5.15pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

Focus to be confirmed, probably preparation for the new National Curriculum.

Thursday 17 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

Tuesday 22 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

All materials will be available via RoSIS Music.

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PSHE/RSE

Course Overview

In today’s rapidly changing world, education must go beyond academic achievement. Teaching PSHE and RSE equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to navigate life confidently, safely, and responsibly.

PSHE helps pupils understand themselves and others, make informed decisions, and build resilience. It covers vital topics such as mental health, financial literacy, online safety, and personal wellbeing—empowering students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

RSE, as a core part of PSHE, provides age-appropriate guidance on relationships, consent, respect, and emotional wellbeing. It fosters a culture of openness and inclusion, helping students develop healthy relationships and understand the importance of boundaries and empathy.

Together, PSHE and RSE:

  • Promote mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Encourage respect, tolerance, and equality
  • Prepare students for real-life challenges
  • Support safeguarding and personal safety
  • Build confidence and self-esteem

By embedding PSHE and RSE into the curriculum, schools create a safe, supportive environment where every child can grow into a well-rounded, informed, and compassionate adult.

Autumn

SEND & Vulnerability Focus:

Preventing and Responding to Bullying of Vulnerable Pupils Did you know? National data reveals that 71% of young people with autism or social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties report having experienced bullying—a rate vastly disproportionate to their peers. (Anti-Bullying Alliance).

Bullying does not affect all pupils equally. For children navigating the school system with additional vulnerabilities, the playground and digital spaces can be uniquely hostile environments. This targeted autumn briefing addresses how and why bullying disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable learners and provides concrete frameworks to reshape your school's protective culture.

This session covers how bullying disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable learners— including those with SEND, SEMH, autism, speech and language needs, young carers, looked-after children, and those with acute social vulnerability.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vulnerability Gap: Unpacking why and how these pupils are targeted, particularly through subtle relational bullying and social exclusion.
  • Inclusive Practice: Moving from reactive policing to a proactive culture of belonging and peer empathy.
  • Accessible Reporting: Designing low-barrier, highly visual reporting systems that do not rely on advanced social or communication skills.
  • Robust Adult Response: Implementing trauma-informed, consistent interventions that effectively protect the victim and address the root behaviour.

Ideal for: School Leaders, SENDCos, Pastoral Teams, and Safeguarding Leads looking to strengthen inclusive practice and adult responses this Autumn.

Thursday 15 October 2026, 1.00-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Tuesday 24 November 2026, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

Spring

Early Years: laying the foundation for kindness and boundaries.

How we teach young children to navigate their emotions, interact with peers, and respond to conflict forms the absolute bedrock of their educational journey. This online briefing is designed to help Foundation Stage practitioners align their daily practice with the latest national guidance, focusing heavily on Ofsted’s "Strong Foundations" messaging and the Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED) framework within the EYFS.

A central theme of this session is a proactive shift in perspective: anti-bullying messages cannot wait until Key Stage 1. We will explore why embedding a culture of kindness, empathy, and positive peer interaction right now is the most effective way to prevent bullying behaviours from taking root as children grow.

Key Takeaways:

  • Practical strategies for modelling and encouraging kindness and inclusive play.
  • Actionable ideas to help children develop healthy emotional responses and positive peer relationships from day one.

Ideal for: Foundation Stage Teachers, Early Years Practitioners, and EYFS Leaders.

Tuesday 2 February 2027, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

Thursday 18 March 2027, 1.00-3.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

Focussing on Transition

Monday 17 May 2027, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

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RE

Course Overview

Teaching Religious Education in primary schools is a powerful way to help children develop empathy, respect, and a deeper understanding of the diverse world around them. RE encourages pupils to explore different beliefs, values, and cultures, fostering open- mindedness and critical thinking from an early age.

By embracing the opportunity to lead RE, teachers play a vital role in nurturing thoughtful, compassionate citizens who are equipped to contribute positively to society. These lessons go beyond knowledge—they help children reflect on their own values, understand others, and build the foundations for a more inclusive and respectful future.

Facilitated by Hannah Lambert, Chair of Rotherham SACRE

These sessions will take place as follows:

Autumn

This session will focus on vulnerable groups, including SEND, how to adapt planning and quality first teaching to support progress of vulnerable learners and effective monitoring of progress.

Tuesday 6 October 2026, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Finished

Spring

An in-person workshop which will focus on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary RE.

Thursday 18 March 2027, 3.45-5.45pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

This session will build on discussions and priorities identified during the previous terms’ network meetings and will include sharing of examples of children’s work to identify strengths and next steps.

Monday 24 May 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

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Science

Course Overview

High-quality science education in primary schools is essential for nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. It helps children develop a foundational understanding of the world around them, encouraging them to ask questions, explore ideas, and solve problems. By engaging with hands-on experiments and real-world applications, pupils build key skills in observation, reasoning, and communication. A strong science curriculum also supports cross-curricular learning, linking with maths, literacy, and technology, and prepares children to become informed citizens in an increasingly scientific and technological society.

Facilitated by April Taylor, RoSIS Associate Leader and teacher at Waverley Junior Academy

The sessions are scheduled as follows:

Autumn Science Conference

Back by popular demand! You are invited to attend the 2026 Science and STEM conference.

Are you ready to reimagine science teaching in your classroom? Whether you're a seasoned science lead or a new to the subject leader role, this one-day conference is your launchpad to deeper understanding, fresh ideas and developing your schools Science capital.

Wednesday 7 October 2026, 8.30-4.00pm at Rockingham PDC Finished

Science Subject Leader Briefing

This online briefing session will explore how to adapt teaching approaches to ensure that all pupils can access and engage with scientific learning. It will consider practical strategies for supporting a range of needs, including scaffolding, differentiation, and inclusive classroom practices. Participants will have opportunities to reflect on their current provision and share ideas with others. This session aims to strengthen inclusive practice and improve outcomes for pupils with SEND in primary science.

Wednesday 25 November 2026, 3.45-5.15pm, Online Book Now

Spring

This session focuses on Ofsted’s “Strong Foundations” and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in relation to primary science. We will explore how early scientific experiences can be effectively embedded within EYFS practice to support long-term learning. We will also consider how these approaches align with Ofsted expectations and contribute to high-quality provision. There will be opportunities to discuss practical strategies and share ideas with colleagues.

Wednesday 10 March 2027, 3.45-5.15pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Summer

This session will focus on how structured talk can support pupils in developing scientific understanding and reasoning. It will highlight practical strategies to promote purposeful discussion, questioning, and vocabulary development in the classroom.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on current practice and share approaches with others. This session aims to strengthen teaching and learning by placing oracy at the heart of primary science. Date/Times Venue Wednesday 19 May 2027 4.00-5.30pm Rockingham PDC Book Now Wednesday 16 June 2027 4.00-5.30pm Learn Sheffield Book Now

Wednesday 19 May 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Rockingham PDC Book Now

Wednesday 16 June 2027, 4.00-5.30pm at Learn Sheffield Book Now

All materials are available via RoSIS Science.

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