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…

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 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…

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…

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…

Describes four projects: (1) using diagnostic assessment to improve science learning; (2) issues in the implementation of evidence-based approaches in science education; (3) teaching pupils 'ideas-about-science'; and (4) understanding the researcher-user interface. Describes projects that are focused on curriculum development and explores how…

Explains the benefits of integrating citizenship into science and introduces two citizenship units developed with the cooperation of the Association for Science Education (ASE) and the Wellcome Trust. (YDS)

Presents the author's views of what should be done about science teaching and curriculum in the British elementary schools. (HM)

Describes a system of regional research conferences for students in which they were invited to display a team poster and/or give a presentation on any interesting aspect of investigative work within the curriculum or within extracurricular activities. (DDR)

Details the efforts of the Association for Science Education (ASE) in implementing a major review of policy related to science education. Focuses on science education research and cites the major areas of interest. (DDR)

Biochemical engineering as a scientific discipline is becoming accepted in England and is drawing many young men and women to its ranks. This article focuses on how engineering came to embrace the biological sciences. (Author/SA)