Primary trainees recently took part in an engaging and practical science training session designed to build confidence, subject knowledge and classroom-ready strategies for teaching science effectively. The session was led by Rebecca Duncan, a class teacher and Science Lead at St Thomas More’s Catholic Primary School in Colchester. This was the first of three planned science sessions, with the initial focus exploring the science curriculum and developing trainees’ understanding of scientific thinking.
The session focused on developing trainees’ understanding of working scientifically, with a strong emphasis on practical investigations, enquiry-based learning and accurate scientific vocabulary. Trainees explored how to plan and adapt investigations, anticipate misconceptions, and support pupils to think and talk like scientists, while ensuring lessons remain accessible and inclusive for all learners.
Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussion, trainees were able to experience learning from a pupil’s perspective before reflecting on how these approaches could be applied across different primary year groups. The training also highlighted ways to make science purposeful and engaging, linking practical work clearly to curriculum objectives and assessment.
The session was very well received, with trainees valuing the opportunity to build confidence in teaching science and to leave with practical ideas they can use directly in the classroom.
