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…

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…

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)

Suggests that further changes to the science curriculum should take place and argues that strategies for change must recruit the energies and talents of teachers if they are to be effective. (JRH)

Describes the Key Stage 3 Strategy and its four main principles-- expectations, progression, engagement, and transformation. Includes an example of a high school science booster program. (DDR)

Summarizes a level in the science education curriculum and identifies some goals to be reached. Examines the scope for future development and speculates on possible obstacles in reaching those goals. (DDR)

Proposes that one way of smoothing the move from primary to secondary science is for year 6 students in primary school to begin work that is continued in secondary school. (DDR)

Argues for greater emphasis in the science curriculum on the spiritual and moral contexts in which scientific ideas have been developed. (JRH)

Argues for effective self-review by science departments as a powerful tool for improving the learning environment. Recommends a variety of possible self-review methods to obtain a balance between consolidation and innovation. (DDR)

Describes major aspects of the Pupil Researcher Initiative, a curriculum development project aimed at encouraging pupils, teachers, researchers, and the wider community to work together to stimulate interest and enthusiasm for science and engineering. (JRH)

Outlines the developments and outcomes of the National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN). Highlights the collaborative relationship with the Association for Science Education (ASE) and developments in networking and communicating. (DDR)