Teacher using pan flute

Support for Science Leadership

Enrich primary science at your school with the best science resources, training for staff, school visits, science visitors and competitions.

Our Subject Leader Self-evaluation Tool will help you to audit science provision in your setting.

There are many ways to develop science in your school and a good starting point is to find out what is happening in science across the whole school. Once you know what is happening, you can choose your next steps from any of these options:
– Whole School Approach
– Role of the Subject Leader
– Raising the Profile of Science

Colour and black & white versions of this tool are available to download at the bottom of this page.

We also encourage you to consider taking part in the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM). This year-long CPD programme focuses on developing effective, confident science leadership for whole school impact on science teaching and learning. PSTT is proud to be a long-term supporter of PSQM through a strategic partnership with the University of Hertfordshire.

Visit PSQM website
Subject leader self-evaluation tool

Whole school approach

Download this guide to find out more about how you can develop these aspects of science:
1. Timetable
2. Curriculum
3. Scientific literacy
4. Scientific enquiry
5. Responsive teaching
6. Assessment
7. Safe science
8. Outdoor learning

To find out what is happening across the school, you may decide to organise a staff meeting or talk to your colleagues individually. To answer some questions, you may need to arrange time out of class to observe teaching, look at books and displays and talk to children.

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Role of the subject leader

Schools need a subject leader to support other teachers in their science teaching, to ensure that science is taught regularly, taught well and that pupils and teachers are enthusiastic about science. Schools also need a subject leader to ensure that the pupils have access to suitable equipment for science.

Download this guide to find out more about aspects of the role of subject leader:
1. Subject Leader Development
2. Supporting Colleagues
3. Monitoring Teaching and Learning
4. Resourcing Science
5. Curriculum Enrichment

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Raising the profile of science

There are many ways that teachers can raise the profile of science in their school. Download this guide for more information about the following:
1. Science Clubs
2. Science Competitions
3. Science Visits
4. Science Events
5. Wider Community

Download

Useful Resources

Science leadership

Subject Leader Self-Evaluation Tool (Colour)

Audit science in your school and identify your next steps.

Download
Self evaluation tool

Subject Leader Self-Evaluation Tool (B&W)

Audit science in your school and identify your next steps.

Download
Teacher helps two students

Subject Leader Tasks

Use this document to prioritise tasks.

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Boy holding magnifying glass

Pupil Voice Questionnaire

Find out how children view science in your school and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Download
Teachers discussing

Teacher Questionnaire

Identify teachers' strengths and weaknesses, and plan relevant CPD.

Download
Progression of working chart

Enquiry Skills Progression

Progression of working scientifically skills (based on curriculum in England) from ages 3-11.

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Primary Science Curriculum

Curriculum Progression

Learning outcomes, key questions, vocabulary, possible investigations for all topics (English curriculum).

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children looking at flowers through magnifying glasses during outside learning

Funding Opportunities

Find out more about grant opportunities from organisations supporting primary science.

View the list