Primary Horizons: Starting out in science

'Primary Horizons' is based on a research study conceived and commissioned by the Wellcome Trust in 2004 and carried out by Queen's University Belfast and St Mary's University College Belfast. Thought to be the largest study of its kind, it sets out to explore teachers' views and experiences of primary science education across the UK and to identify ways in which it could be improved.

With suggestions of a decline in children's positive attitudes towards science in the later primary years, and half of all respondents in the current study pointing towards a lack of knowledge, expertise, confidence and training as a major concern in teaching science, the publication of 'Primary Horizons' comes at an important time. Addressing such findings will require action from across the science education community and beyond to ensure the needs of both teachers and pupils are met.

Primary Horizons: Starting out in science [PDF 2.11MB]

A 23-page summary report of the research, produced by the Wellcome Trust.
Hard copies can be ordered, free of charge, by emailing education@wellcome.ac.uk.

Primary science in the UK: a scoping study [PDF 2.18MB]

The full report of the research, produced by Queen's University Belfast and St Mary's University College Belfast.
Project Directors: Dr Colette Murphy (Queen's University Belfast) Dr Jim Beggs (St Mary's University College Belfast).

Feedback

Please email your comments on any of the points raised by these publications to education@wellcome.ac.uk.

Image 'Explore-At-Bristol Live Science zone' supplied courtesy of At-Bristol.