About
Research
Email: alex.sinclair@stmarys.ac.uk
Tel: 020 8240 4134
Biography
Alex worked in a variety of schools for thirteen years before becoming Senior Lecturer and Science Lead at St Mary’s. He teaches across all undergraduate and postgraduate primary science teaching modules and on the PGCE Masters course.
He recently completed his doctoral studies. The title of his thesis was ‘developing an ecological approach to science teacher education’ which focussed on the type of science curriculum necessary for improving planetary well-being.
He has 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 he has co-authored the publication of ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Giants’ which provides resources and a framework to do this https://pstt.org.uk/resources/curriculum-materials/sotsog, and ii) ‘Superhero Scientists’, a factual book for 7-11 year olds, which depicts a range of diverse scientists. https://www.millgatehouse.co.uk/product/superhero-scientists/ .
Research
Research profile
He 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,
- Chair of the ASE (Association for Science Education) Futures national committee,
- Editor of the ASE’s Science Teacher Education journal,
- 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 Nottingham Trent University external examiner for courses: BA (Hons) Primary Education, BA (Hons) Studies in Primary Education (2017-present).
- Member of the organising committee for the SW London Primary Science Conference
Publications:
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. Available from: https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/3922/1/Alex%20Sinclair%20Final%20Thesis.pdf
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.