18/06/2013

Earlier this month the Welsh schools inspectorate, Estyn, reported that science education in primary schools was sometimes weak and recommended more training for teachers without a science background.

So in this week's Science Cafe, Adam Walton talks to Liz Terry, a director with See Science Wales, and Jane Turner, of the Primary School Quality Mark, about some of the schemes and initiatives available out there to help teachers. Two who have benefited already tell of their experience in the classroom. Philippa Minto, of New Inn Primary School, Pontypool and Roy Scourfield of Cwm Carn School in Newport, are now beacons of best practice with enthused pupils. We also hear of the success at Connah's Quay High School in Flintshire, where a science team has won a place in the World Finals of the prestigious F1 Challenge. The pupils will travel out to Texas this autumn with the latest incarnation of the racing car they have designed, engineered and built. For lots more inspiration check out the websites below.  

See Science:

http://www.see-science.co.uk/team.html

Primary Schools Quality Mark:

http://www.psqm.org.uk/

STEM/Crest Awards:

http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/crest

Association of Science Educators:

http://www.ase.org.uk/home/