This school year, Science for All is a theme running through PSTT’s work. It reflects our commitment to inclusive primary science and to helping more teachers and children engage with high-quality science education.
Science for All encompasses both what happens in the classroom and the support available to teachers and science leaders throughout their careers. Across our professional learning, programmes and enrichment opportunities, we are reducing barriers to participation and supporting teachers to provide engaging, inclusive science experiences for every child.
Supporting teachers at different stages
Our support begins before teachers enter the classroom. PSTT works with Initial Teacher Education (ITE) providers to strengthen primary science in teacher training through the support of Primary Science Mentors and the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA).
This year, we’ve expanded access to the PSEA through our remote route, enabling trainee teachers to take part even if their ITE provider is not currently involved in the programme.
Support continues beyond initial teacher education. Through ECT Plus, Early Career Teachers and classroom teachers in their first five years of teaching can complete the PSEA with guidance from a dedicated e-tutor, building their knowledge, experience and confidence in teaching primary science.
Making professional learning accessible
Teachers and science leaders work in a wide range of contexts, so professional development needs to be accessible in different ways. Throughout the school year, PSTT offers a mix of online CPD and regional and local face-to-face opportunities led by our Primary Science Mentors.
Our professional learning covers many aspects of primary science teaching and leadership, including a dedicated Science for All webinar series focused on practical approaches to inclusion. Across three sessions, the series explores inclusive classroom practice, additional learning needs and whole-school approaches that increase participation in science.
We also continue to deliver Thinking, Doing, Talking Science, an inclusive approach to primary science that encourages children to use higher-order thinking skills, discuss their ideas and develop their creativity.
Creating opportunities for children
Science for All is also about children’s experiences of science.
This year, we’ve introduced our first Science Enrichment Package, enabling schools to take part in curriculum-linked science enrichment every term.
The package brings together Festive Science Investigations, Online Science Days and Summer Science Lessons, giving children opportunities to take part in shared science experiences throughout the year. As well as enriching children’s learning, the sessions allow teachers to see approaches modelled by the PSTT team and apply them in their own classrooms.
Through these different strands of our work, Science for All widens participation in primary science. It supports teachers throughout their careers, offers different routes into professional learning and helps schools create inclusive science experiences for children.
Throughout the school year, we’ll continue to share opportunities, ideas and support connected to Science for All. Whether through professional learning, classroom resources, enrichment activities or simply trying a new approach in the classroom, we hope every school can find a way to be part of Science for All that works for its teachers and pupils.
