How to Lead it: Primary Science

Kirsty Simkin is a primary teacher, science lead, governor and senior leader. She began her career through Teach First teaching at an all-through academy in London. She has worked with multiple organisations and schools, including Oak National Academy and Ambition Institute, consulting and speaking on curriculum design and as a science subject expert.Series editor Jon Hutchinson is Director of Curriculum and Teacher Development at the Reach Foundation. Prior to this, Jon was a primary school teacher, A level religious studies teacher, and assistant headteacher at Reach Academy Feltham. Jon was also a Visiting Fellow with Ambition Institute, tutoring on a Master's in Expert Teaching programme. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jon was a founding member of Oak National Academy, leading the primary humanities curriculum. He has acted as an expert adviser to the DfE on various groups, including as a member of the core group which developed the Early Career Framework. Jon has written several chapters in educational books, is regularly published by the TES, Schools Week and Teach Primary, and is currently writing two books on education. Follow Jon @jon_hutchinson_ on X and Bluesky.

It's no secret that primary science has suffered in recent years, and is often seen as secondary to English and maths. Whilst the reasons for this decline might be varied and complex, there's no doubt that Kirsty Simkin's work should be seen as part of the solution. Kirsty has produced an accessible yet scholarly review of the major issues facing primary science, and by covering a vast range of concepts has given current and aspiring primary leaders plentiful tools to deploy in their schools. We know that primary children love science and studying the world around them, and there is no doubt that Kirsty's book will help primary teachers across the country grow that love and enthusiasm, and harness it to guide students to greater knowledge and understanding.

• 1. Leading science2. Getting the best from research evidence3. Big ideas in science4. Curriculum design principles5. How to plan a curriculum6. Assessment: what do my pupils know?7. Explanations and modelling8. Vocabulary9. Practical science10. Dialogue11. Disciplinary literacy12. Engagement in science13. Implementing change