Flinders 2025 Science of Learning Conference

Hear the latest research

Gain insights into cutting-edge research on cognitive science, effective teaching strategies and evidence-based practices. Learn how the latest findings can be applied to improve student outcomes and enhance teaching methods.

Gain practical strategies

Discover actionable strategies and tools that are grounded in scientific research. From techniques for enhancing memory retention to innovative approaches for engaging students, you’ll leave with practical ideas that can be immediately implemented in your school or classroom.

Collaborate with colleagues

Connect with leading experts, educators and researchers who are passionate about transforming education. Engage in discussions and collaborations that will help you build a professional network focused on advancing the Science of Learning in educational settings.

Featuring Guest Presenters

Jared
Cooney Horvath

The University of Melbourne, Research Scientist, Director of LME Global & The Science of Learning Group

Transfer Learning Process & Learning Trajectory - Surface, Deep, Adaptive

Nathaniel
Swain

La Trobe University, School of Education, Academic Program Director & Founder of Thing Forward Educators

Retrieval & Rehearsal - 'Why?' and Strategies for Implementation

Bronwyn
Ryrie Jones

Teacher Educator and Instructional Coach

Responsive Teaching - Evidence to Strategies

Conference Agenda

DAY 1 - Thursday, 3 April 2025

15:00	Registration Opens
16:00	Day 1 - Conference Commences Keynote Presentations Jared Cooney Horvath: The Transfer Learning Process Zid Mancenido: How More and Better Evidence Has, Does and Will Improve Australian Education
17:45	Networking Drinks

DAY 2 - Friday, 4 April 2025

7:30	Registration Opens
8:15	Day 2 - Conference Commences Keynote Presentations Jared Cooney Horvath: Learning Trajectory - Surface, Deep, Adaptive John Sweller: Cognitive Load Theory and its Importance for Teaching and Learning.
10:00	Morning Tea
10:45	Keynote Presentations Bronwyn Ryrie Jones: Responsive Teaching - Evidence to Strategies Dr Nathaniel Swain and Brendan Lee: Retrieval & Rehearsal - 'Why?' and Strategies for Implementation
12:15	Breakout Session 1 Cognitive Load Theory & Technology with Jamie Clark Science of Maths Instruction with Brendan Lee Evidence into Practice P-6 Literacy with Jocelyn Seamer Explicit Instruction for English & Humanities with Rebecca Birch Metacognition in the Learning Process with Paul Welch Gradual Release: What the research says about how we maximise retention, consolidation and application of learning with Zid Mancenido Knowledge-Rich Curriculum & Explicit Instruction with Nathaniel Swain Attention, Behaviour & Routines with Mark Dowley
13:00	Lunch
13:45	Breakout Session 2 Repeated sessions from Breakout 1 for rotation
14:30	Breakout Session 3 Repeated sessions from Breakout 1 for rotation
15:15	Afternoon Tea
15:45	Closing Remarks Keynote Presentation: Jared Cooney Horvath: Creativity and the Learning Trajectory
16:30	Conference Closes

Who should attend?

Educators and school leaders who are:

passionate about evidence-based practice
committed to professional growth in order to implement strategies to improve student outcomes
innovative and open to change to embrace techniques to enhance learning, and
focused on student-centred learning - using insights from cognitive science and educational research to create more effective and inclusive learning environments.

Meet the Speakers

Brendan Lee

Science of Maths Instruction

Brendan Lee is an experienced primary school leader and educational consultant from NSW. When he fell down the rabbit hole of educational research, he felt compelled to help bridge the gap between research and practice by supporting teachers in implementing the evidence. Currently, he provides professional learning for schools and teachers around the country, writes on his blog and hosts the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast.

Bronwyn Ryrie Jones

Responsive Teaching - Evidence to Strategies

Bronwyn Ryrie Jones is a teacher educator, instructional coach and professional learning designer. With a background in classroom teaching and graduate education (University of Melbourne), Bron is renowned for her deep and practical expertise in high quality instruction. Bron has worked directly with over 30,000 teachers in Australia and abroad, developing explicit and responsive teaching practices on the ground.

Jamie Clark

Cognitive Load Theory & Technology

Jamie Clark is an experienced English teacher, school leader and educational information designer. He is passionate about teaching and learning, instructional coaching and enhancing students’ lives through research-based, high-impact practices. He is the author of the best-selling book Teaching One-Pagers. In addition to his writing, Jamie hosts The Saturday Show Live on Teacher's Talk Radio, where he engages in thought-provoking discussions on education.

Jared Cooney Horvath

Transfer Learning Process

Jared Cooney Horvath (PhD, MEd) is a neuroscientist, educator and author. Jared has conducted research and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, the University of Melbourne and over 1,000 schools internationally. He currently serves as the Director of LME Global, bringing the latest brain and behavioural research to teachers and students.

Jocelyn Seamer

Evidence into Practice P-6 Literacy

Jocelyn Seamer is an author, facilitator of professional learning and resource creator in the area of structured literacy. She works with school leaders and teachers to help them develop practice that reflects the evidence base of the science of learning and reading. Jocelyn's first book, 'Reading Success in the Early Primary Years: A Teacher's Guide to Implementing Systematic Instruction' was released in December 2022.

John Sweller

Cognitive Load Theory

John Sweller is an Emeritus Professor of Educational Psychology at the UNSW. His research is associated with cognitive load theory. The theory is a contributor to both research and debate on issues associated with human cognition, its links to evolution by natural selection, and the instructional design consequences that follow. Using any common citation index, the work has been cited on over 30,000 occasions.

Mark Dowley

Attention, Behaviour & Routines

Dr Mark Dowley co-authored the Amazon Best Selling – Classroom Management Handbook. He holds various positions, including the Assoc. Head of Staff Development at the Crowther Centre for Applied Educational Research and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Coaching and Director of Program. He is the Chairman of Mastery Schools Victoria and consults internationally to schools on culture, belonging and behaviour.

Nathaniel Swain

Knowledge Rich Curriculum & Explicit Instruction

Dr Nathaniel Swain is a Teacher, Instructional Coach and Writer. He works as a Senior Lecturer in Learning Sciences at La Trobe University School of Education and SOLAR LAB, and produces a blog called Dr Swain’s Cognitorium. Nathaniel has taught a range of learners in schools and universities, and founded a community of teachers committed to the Science of Learning.

Rebecca Birch

Explicit Instruction for English & Humanities

Rebecca Birch is a teacher of English and the Director of Research and Practice at a top 50 independent school in Sydney. Rebecca has consulted for Ochre Education and appeared on panels for ResearchED and the Gonski Institute for Education. Her current research interest is the link between explicit instruction and student wellbeing.

Zid Mancenido

Gradual Release - Maximise Retention, Consolidation and Application

Dr Zid Mancenido is the AERO's Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation. Since AERO’s establishment, he has led the generation and translation of high-quality evidence aimed at improving educational outcomes. Zid is concurrently a Lecturer on Education at Harvard, teaching courses in education policy and general pedagogy; and as an expert consultant for the World Bank, advising on issues related to teacher education and teacher recruitment.

Paul Welch

Metacognition in the Learning Process

Paul Welch is an experienced educator who has taught at school, tertiary and post-graduate levels, and currently serves as the Head of Teaching and Learning at Townsville Grammar School. Metacognition has become a central focus of Paul's educational philosophy. He is a strong advocate for the explicit teaching of metacognitive strategies, believing that fostering self-awareness and reflective thinking is essential for student success.

Bursary Applications Now Open

The Science of Learning Conference in partnership with Studentnet is pleased to provide two conference bursaries to support attendance at our inaugural Science of Learning Conference.

The bursary initiative recognises the equity of access issues faced by those teachers who, for reasons of geographic location, have few opportunities to attend conferences and/or find the costs of travel are a mitigating factor to attendance.

Each successful applicant will be granted a bursary to the value of $750.00 to support conference registration and travel/accommodation costs.

For more information on eligibility criteria, view the Information Package below.

Proudly
Sponsored by

Download the Information Package

Apply Now

Location

Matthew Flinders Anglican College is an independent Anglican co-educational primary and secondary day school located in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Stretching along the Queensland coast, the Sunshine Coast is as vast as it is varied. The region covers an area of 2,291 square kilometres with 52.3 kilometres of open coastline stretching from Caloundra to Noosa where white sand beaches and pristine waterways sit alongside lush rainforests and Heritage-listed national parks.

Getting to the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast Airport is ideally situated in the heart of the Sunshine Coast with direct Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Auckland, New Zealand flights available across a range of carriers and connections to the world. Alternatively, the Sunshine Coast is just over one hour by road north of Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital.

Staying on the Sunshine Coast

For attendees of the 2025 Science of Learning Conference, Mantra Mooloolaba - located in the heart of Mooloolaba overlooking the iconic Mooloolaba Beach - is offering a 10% preferred discount to conference delegates. Use code FLINDERS25 when booking directly with Accor.

Photo of Matthew Flinders Anglican College

Sponsors

Platinum

Compnow
Compnow are committed to empowering schools and educators with the latest knowledge and tools through our specialised training programs and industry expertise.

Our national team supports teachers and learning specialists in staying at the forefront of how students learn. We offer tailored sessions that provide practical strategies to enhance teaching outcomes, including in-classroom support, coaching, and professional development. We've got you covered!

Through the Compnow Academy, we offer a comprehensive product range designed to help teachers incorporate these insights in the classrooms together. Along with hands-on workshops and online courses, Compnow’s training ensures educators can effectively apply current technology alongside Science of Learning techniques, transforming classrooms and boosting student engagement and success.

As a trusted partner in education, we are dedicated to helping your school drive positive change in today’s ever-evolving learning environment. For more information, visit their website: www.compnow.com.au

Gold

Nelson Primary
Nelson Primary empowers educators and engages learners with quality products for years K-6. We support teachers and students with our trusted, curriculum-aligned literacy resources, including the new Nelson Decodable Readers and NovaStar series.

Nelson Decodable Readers is a comprehensive series designed to help students practise and consolidate their phonics skills. Aligned to current Science of Reading research and informed by literacy experts, this carefully sequenced series supports phonics instruction.

NovaStar supports the explicit instruction of language comprehension, integrating background knowledge, vocabulary and comprehension strategies. Best suited for students aged 8–12, these books can be used flexibly across year levels for scaffolding complex literacy skills.

For more information, visit their website: www.nelsonprimary.com.au

Switch4Schools
Switch4Schools is an innovative, evidence based social and emotional learning tool designed to improve emotional health and wellbeing in schools. Our platform offers a comprehensive, easy to use solution that measures and builds emotional intelligence, mental health, and wellbeing through regular check ins.

Our mission is to transform communities by enhancing emotional health and wellbeing. Switch4Schools provides over 500 strategies, lesson plans, activities, and printables, all created by psychologists, teachers, digital learning experts, data scientists, and world class designers. The platform uses real time data and AI driven insights to offer proactive suggestions for better self regulation and wellbeing.

For more information, visit their website: www.switch4schools.com.au

Silver

Campion Education
In this rapidly changing environment, Campion Education is a dedicated and trusted partner to schools who are seeking to simplify the process of equipping their students with the right learning resources.

Campion Education is an Australian family-owned business and the largest supplier of education resources including print, digital and stationery resources to schools in Australia. We are leaders in digital delivery, and partner with schools to ensure smooth service and unparalleled support — making sure schools can create bright futures for their students.

For more information, visit their website: www.campion.com.au

Fastvue
Fastvue supports schools in delivering their duty of care in the online environment, helping leadership teams and wellbeing staff detect and respond early to digital indicators of student risk, such as signs of self-harm, extremism, drug use, and time-wasting activities.

Fastvue's powerful reporting tools provide clear, actionable insights into student digital citizenship, helping staff identify both positive and concerning online behaviour while enabling quick, accurate evidence collection for online incidents. User-friendly alerts, reports and dashboards make it easy for schools to access insights without needing technical expertise, empowering educators to actively support student wellbeing in real-time.

For more information, visit their website: www.fastvue.co

Scholastic
Scholastic Australia's mission is centred around helping children to read and learn. Scholastic Education offers highly effective instructional literacy and numeracy programs aligned with the curriculum. At the heart of every product that Scholastic develops and distributes is the understanding that we need to engage students and support educators.

We have created a variety of resources that together offer a comprehensive solution for instructional learning across the entire school. Scholastic Education is your partner in introducing, developing and mastering fundamental skills in students. Our programs are designed to be adaptable to different school settings and student needs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in every aspect of their education.

For more information, visit their website: www.scholastic.com.au

VideoPro
Videopro is one of Australia’s leading technology solutions providers. Our solutions and services span across Oceania to deliver a premium service nation-wide. Coupling our business solutions divisions with our consumer retail stores, pro-broadcast services and online trading platform, Videopro’s unique diversity is a fundamental strength in supporting the breadth of products, expertise and services we have on offer. We value quality product at competitive pricing and are proud to support a wide variety of the world’s leading brands.

For more information, visit their website: www.videopro.com.au

Essential Assessment
Essential Assessment provides a streamlined, curriculum-aligned platform for online and paper-based assessments, offering real-time data insights to help educators assess, track, and celebrate student progress. It simplifies the assessment process, supports diverse learners, and enables teachers to make data-informed decisions efficiently.

For more information, visit their website: www.essentialassessment.com.au

Bursary

Studentnet
Today's schools must build their communities working with members including staff, students, parents as well as infrastructure and institutions. Studentnet^® helps you build and protect your community through a suite of identity related facilities being: SmartID^™, EasyID^™, AuthentID^™ and PlatformID^™. These are standards-compliant modules you can use separately or together to enhance the identity of your school through building trust and confidence with your complex community.

For more information, visit their website: studentnet.net

Contact Us

Have a question about the Science of Learning Conference? Please get in contact via this form.

From Insight to Implementation

From Insight to Implementation

Thursday, 3 April - Friday, 4 April 2025

Sunshine Coast, Queensland

Hear the latest research

Gain practical strategies

Collaborate with colleagues

Featuring Guest Presenters

Jared Cooney Horvath

Nathaniel Swain

Bronwyn Ryrie Jones

Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale

Early Bird Ticket

$473.00*

Conference Ticket

$550.00

Conference Agenda

Who should attend?

Alignment to AITSL Standards

Standard 1

Know students and how they learn

Standard 3

Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning

Standard 6

Engage in professional learning

Standard 7

Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community