This article talks about the death of Audrey Randall, a passionate supporter of the Association and a hugely significant figure in the history of primary science education. It presents the testimonial of Peter Borrows, a colleague and Chair of Home Counties region.

The new National Curriculum Programme of Study for primary science in England includes most of the topics with which primary teachers are familiar. However, when looking at the science enquiry section, the changes are much more far-reaching. Science enquiry has been renamed as "working scientifically" and is integrated with developing…

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…

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…

Following on from taking part in the successful "Getting Practical: improving practical work in science across the primary-secondary transition" CPD project, Uplands Community College with Wadhurst and Ticehurst Primary Schools in East Sussex worked together on developing the CPD--focusing on effective practical work across the…

In this article, the author discusses the deliberate policy on the part of Primary Science Committee (PSC) to ensure that not only is primary science embedded in all aspects of the work of ASE but is seen to be there. She also describes the events for the 2010 Annual Conference. Over the coming months, PSC will continue to put much thought into…

The status of primary science as a core subject has been gradually corroded in recent years, with the abolition of targets for science and the focus of the primary national strategy on literacy and numeracy. The NAIGS Committee were very well positioned within local authorities to pilot APP, but first had to write the criteria. Towards the end of…

In this article, the author discusses why the history of science should be included in the science curriculum in schools. He also presents some opportunities that can come out of using historical contexts, and findings from a study assessing the place of history of science in readily available textbooks.

During the past three years, a team from the Centre for Science Education at Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Salford, the University of York, Glasshead and Teachers TV, has been working in collaboration to develop a series of blended media resources to support the teaching and learning of How Science Works (HSW) at Key Stages 3 and…

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…

It is widely recognised that rapidly received feedback on assessment tasks has an important role to play in underpinning student learning and encouraging engagement. Within the Open University (OU), increasing use is being made of interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs), alongside more conventional tutor-marked assignments (TMAs). OU…

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…

In this article, the authors describe a research project designed to explore the effects of science testing in Year 6 (age 11) in England and implications of the abolition of testing in Wales since 2004. The research was commissioned by the Welcome Trust in association with the ASE to inform representation to the House of Commons Select Committee…

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)

Presents a five-year plan to produce specific and detailed proposals to influence curriculum practice. (MKR)