How to set up pupils for success as they enter secondary science

The transition from primary to secondary school presents a significant challenge for pupils, particularly in science. Students move from a more generalised ‘science’ curriculum to engaging with the distinct disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics - areas they may not yet fully recognise or understand. Alongside new content comes a shift in learning environment, with laboratories, specialist equipment, and, of course, the much-anticipated Bunsen burner. While the excitement around practical work and experiments is natural and valuable, we must ask: are we nurturing curiosity purely through spectacle, or are we building a culture that values scientific knowledge, conceptual understanding, and real-world application? Creating this culture is particularly complex when pupils arrive from a range of primary settings, each delivering science education differently in terms of curriculum content, delivery style, and resources. This session will explore the science learning journey, with a specific focus on the often-overlooked transition between primary and secondary phases. Drawing on findings from a wide-reaching survey of primary and secondary educators, we will examine what teachers in each phase wish their counterparts understood about their approaches to science education, including curriculum expectations, pedagogical practices, and barriers to learning. Delegates will be encouraged to reflect on current practices in their own settings and consider practical strategies for improving continuity and collaboration across phases. Whether through curriculum alignment, joint CPD opportunities, or shared language around scientific thinking, there are actionable steps that can significantly improve outcomes for pupils. By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to support pupils at key transition points, along with a set of tangible actions to take back to their schools to help create a more coherent and inspiring science learning experience for all students.