St Michael's RC School aims to develop in its students an understanding of the importance of scientific knowledge through the delivery of a more diverse but appropriate scientific curriculum: a curriculum that is enriched and accessible to all students, regardless of ability; a curriculum that will encourage them to continue the study of both…

The author looks at the future of primary science, and is not encouraged. It's pretty much all over for science in primary schools. One only has to look at the poor showing on the stands at January's ASE Annual Conference to see that it is no longer a publishing priority. Eroded by falling status, undermined by national strategies, and finally put…

A recent curriculum development from the Nuffield Foundation rose to the challenge of producing a set of resources to establish STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a curriculum focus. The result is two STEM cross-curricular projects: "Games," inspired by the London Olympics, and "Futures," a novel…

In this article, the author discusses the Association for Science Education (ASE) Annual Conference and presents some thoughts in preparation for the annual conference. Putting together a programme of PSC Special Events has been more challenging than usual as members attempt to determine what the changes and issues will be in January, with the…

In this article, the author discusses how science can be integrated into the "creative curriculum". Creative approaches to curriculum design, cross-curricular studies and an increased focus on the creative arts are routes to promoting and teaching creativity. But when learning in science is based on a genuine enquiry-based approach with children…

Fox Hill Primary School is part of a family of schools in Sheffield that is piloting the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust Primary Specialism for Science. In parallel to this work, Fox Hill participated in the Smarter Schools project from September 2008-2009. This project, funded by the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust, was set up by the…

This article discusses the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum which will be fully implemented across all key stages by June 2010. The revision gives schools greater flexibility with statements of minimum entitlement for subject strands replacing detailed subject programmes of study. Teachers are encouraged to promote a cross-curricular approach…

Reports on two questionnaires designed to measure the adoption of twelve new science curriculum projects. Points out discrepancies in the results of the surveys in the areas of percentage of adoption, use by teachers with different subject area specializations, and position of the teacher doing the reporting. (GS)

Describes the various activities, and the progress, that took place during the past year and that were carried out by the members of the Association, including projects, science papers, different forms of working groups and conferences. (GA)

Explains the recent proposal of the National Curriculum for Science "Keeping School Science in Step with the Changing World of the 21st Century". Focuses on scientific literacy, assessment, and curriculum models. (YDS)

Describes issues related to the elementary and secondary science curriculum in Northern Ireland and identifies proposals for educational improvement at key stages 3 and 4. (YDS)

Presents reflections on the author's visit to the United States to look at independent learning in the classroom and laboratory. Outlines concerns that the ILIS will have to consider in the future. (GS)

Describes the work of the Education Committee of the ASE on mixed ability teaching which includes the collection and coordination of information offered by teachers, the dissemination of information, and the preparation of a booklet in this field. (GS)

Describes a biochemistry program at the University of Lancaster designed to emphasize the need for thinking clearly and persevering through a problem. (GS)

Presents key features of good science lessons. (MKR)