The Focused Assessment approach proposes that one part (e.g. plan, do or review) is selected as the focus for teaching and assessment within the context of a whole enquiry. Sample lesson plans and examples of children’s focused recording are provided to support the approach. Each nation’s overview document shows how the lesson plans link to its curriculum (note: included lessons may have been developed in different countries but can still be used).
Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS)
Guidance and resources to support teaching and assessment
The Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) project is based at Bath Spa University and its development was funded by the Primary Science Teaching Trust.
On this webpage, scroll down to find:
- Quick links to country-specific guidance, lesson plans and examples.
- Further guidance for early years, transition and cognitive science.
- Information about the TAPS Pyramid.
- A searchable database of all resources.
To find out about professional development opportunities for supporting implementation, please contact [email protected] (e.g. half day introduction) or [email protected] (e.g. Focus4TAPS 3-day course).
If you would like to offer further examples, or provide the TAPS team with feedback, please email: [email protected].
Quick links to UK resources
This booklet explains the Focused Assessment approach for the curriculum in England. All lesson plans are shown on this overview. The working scientifically wheel poster can be displayed in class to help monitor coverage. Zip files of lesson plans and examples can be downloaded here:
This booklet explains the Focused Assessment approach for the curriculum in Northern Ireland. All lesson plans are shown on this overview. The skills poster can be displayed in class to help monitor coverage. Zip files of lesson plans and examples can be downloaded here:
This booklet explains the Focused Assessment approach for the curriculum in Scotland. All lesson plans are shown on this overview. The skills flag poster can be displayed in class to help monitor coverage. Zip files of lesson plans and examples can be downloaded here:
This booklet explains the Focused Assessment approach for the curriculum in Wales. All lesson plans are shown on this overview. This skills poster (skills poster in Welsh) can be displayed in class to help monitor coverage. Zip files of lesson plans and examples can be downloaded here:
Further guidance
The TAPS approach promotes a valid, reliable and manageable system of primary school science assessment which has been found to have a positive impact on children’s learning.
These Early Years, Transition and Cognitive science guidance booklets are applicable to all nations. In addition, support videos can be found on the project playlist.
The TAPS Pyramid
The pyramid contains the principles behind the TAPS approach and can be used by subject leaders as a tool to help evaluate and develop school assessment processes. The booklet provides further information about the pyramid model and the black and white copy can be used for school self-evaluation. Visit the Pyramid website to see examples of science assessment taken from a range of schools.
For professional development opportunities to support teaching and assessment in primary science, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Focused Assessment Plans, Examples and Guidance documents
Local Environment Survey
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Living things, habitats and evolution | Doing Enquiry | Developed in England
Does it Conduct Electricity?
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Electricity | Reviewing Enquiry | Developed in England
Teeth (eggs) in Liquid
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Animals including humans | Reviewing Enquiry | Developed in England
Reporting on Rocks
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Materials | Reviewing Enquiry | Developed in England
Function of a Plant Stem
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Plants | Reviewing Enquiry | Developed in England
How Much Water Do Plants Need?
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Plants | Doing Enquiry | Developed in England
Can Everything Make a Shadow?
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Light and sound | Doing Enquiry | Developed in England
What is the Strongest Magnet?
7-9 | Lesson Plan | Forces | Planning Enquiry | Developed in England
Feeding Simulation
5-7 | Lesson Plan | Living things, habitats and evolution | Doing Enquiry | Developed in England
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Explore resourceSafety Notice & Disclaimer
The PSTT advises teachers to refer to either the CLEAPSS website or SSERC website for up to date health and safety information when planning practical activities for children.
The PSTT is not liable for the actions or activities of any reader or anyone else who uses the information in these resource pages or the associated classroom materials. The PSTT assumes no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information contained in these resources. The PSTT recommends that a full risk assessment is carried out before undertaking in the classroom any of the practical investigations contained in the resources.
All materials are ©Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) and are freely available to download and share for educational purposes. Whilst educators are free to adapt the resources to suit their own needs, acknowledgement of copyright on all original materials must be included. Rights to images included in the resource have been purchased for PSTT use only – as such, these images may only be used as part of this resource and may not copied into or used in other materials.
