Improving Primary Science

Summary of recommendations

01 Identify science-specific vocabulary.

Develop pupils’ scientific Explicitly teach new vocabulary and its meaning, creating
vocab opportunities for repeated engagement and use over time.

02
Create a collaborative learning environment.
Encourage pupils to
explain their thinking, Capitalise on the power of dialogue.
whether verbally or in
Cultivate reasoning and justification.
written form

03 Explicitly teach the knowledge and skills required to work

Guide pupils to work scientifically, guiding pupils to apply this in practice, with
scientifically opportunities for discussion and reflection.

04
Relate new learning Consider real-world contexts.
to relevant, real-world Engage with science concepts supported by virtual models.
contexts

Plan teaching that builds on existing knowledge and

05 experiences.
Use assessment to
Monitor pupils’ learning to inform responsive teaching,
support learning and feedback, and next steps.
responsive teaching
Summarise what pupils have learned against planned criteria.

06 Use a range of information to identify development priorities

Strengthen science and professional learning needs.
teaching through Consider factors of high quality professional development to
effective professional plan or evaluate provision.
development, as part of an
Reflect on senior leadership support at the strategic to
implementation process classroom level.