Dr Alex Sinclair

Senior Lecturer - Primary Science Lead

Biography

My role at St Mary's is multi-faceted. Primarily, I teach the science sessions for those training to be primary school teachers. I am also the lead for the subject, and organise several lectures and modules.

I have the privilege of being a link tutor, and support students when they are out on their school experience. In addition to this I have time to write journal articles and resources and attend and present at conferences.

I worked in a variety of schools for 13 years before becoming senior lecturer and science lead at St Mary’s. I teach across all undergraduate and postgraduate primary science teaching modules.

PhD

The title of my doctoral thesis is 'Developing an ecological approach to science teacher education’ which focuses on the type of science curriculum necessary for improving planetary wellbeing.

Professional bodies

As a member of the Primary Science Curriculum Advisory Group hosted by the Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics, I co-authored the Framework for a Future Primary Science Curriculum report which forms a basis for the construction of relevant, contemporary and future-proof primary science curricula, to prepare children to understand their world, and meet individual and societal needs, both locally and globally.

I have a keen interest in the nature and history of science, and how studying famous and contemporary scientists can be used to help children gain a deeper understanding of the process of science and in increasing the Science Capital of all children. As a consequence of this, I co-authored the publication of:

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants which provides resources and a framework to do this
Superhero Scientists, a factual book for seven to 11-year-olds, which depicts a range of diverse scientists.

I am also a PSQM (primary science quality mark) hub leader and lead facilitator for National STEM Learning, and during the academic year 2023/2024, I was co-chair for the Association of Science Education.

Research

Research profile

Alex writes regularly for the Primary Science journal and presents at national primary science conferences.

He is also:

PSQM (primary science quality mark) hub leader
lead facilitator for National STEM Learning
past co-chair of the ASE (Association for Science Education)
member of the Primary Science Curriculum Advisory Group (hosted by the Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Physics)
reviewer for Cogent Education (Science) Journal
external examiner at Leeds Trinity University.

Publications

View on St Mary's Open Research Archive

Turner, J. Allen, D. Beverley, N. Hiscock, N. Lawrence, L. Pottle, J. Seeley, C. Sinclair, A. and Turford, B. (2024) Snap Science (second edition). London: Harper Collins
Turner, J. Bianchi, L. Eley, A. Lawrence, L. and Sinclair, A. (2023) Framework for a Future Primary Science Curriculum.
Sinclair, A. (2021) Specific support for science specialists: promoting best practice in primary schools. In Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Ed. Reforming Teacher Training: Expert Perspectives, pp.22-23.
Allen, D. and Sinclair, A. (2021) Superhero Scientists. Hatfield: Millgate Publishers.
Sinclair, A. (2020) Are there benefits to introducing children to famous and contemporary scientists? Science Teacher Education, No. 88, Sept. 20, pp. 34-40.
Sinclair, A. (2019) What has Humboldt ever done for you? Primary Science 160, pp 25-27.
Sinclair, A. Strachan, A. and Trew, A. (2019) Standing on the shoulders of giants. Bristol: Primary Science Teaching Trust
Sinclair, A. (2018) Developing an ecological approach to science teacher education. PhD thesis, York St John University.
Sinclair, A. and Strachan, A. (2018) Standing on the shoulders of giants: contemporary scientists bringing your science curriculum to life. Primary Science 151, pp10-13.
Sinclair, A. and Strachan, A. (2017) Sex and relationships education: Whose responsibility? Primary Science Review 147 pp15-16.
Sinclair, A. and Strachan, A. (2016) The messy nature of science. Primary Science Review 145 pp21-23.
Sinclair, A. (2013) Cultivating an ethos of eco-literacy. In: James, M., Renowden, R. and West-Burnham, J. ed. Rethinking the curriculum. Bath, Brown Dog Books pp131-144.
Sinclair, A. (2010) Working towards a symbiotic practice. Educational Journal of Living Theories, Volume 3(1) pp.39-73.

Media enquiries

For media enquiries, please contact our Press Office Team by emailing press.office@stmarys.ac.uk.