Responding to calls for a new primary science curriculum with a focus on bringing science to life by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Biology and Association for Science Education. Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Using real-life scenarios and objects can help bring science to life for pupils, and this happens in schools across the country, even under the current curriculum.

“What is needed is not a whole new STEM curriculum, but to build upon what works best and a reduction in the current bloated programme – time is currently a big issue and there is scope to improve the experience of pupils and teachers by streamlining content.

“The curriculum and assessment review must take a coherent and collective view of the whole curriculum, creating the space and time needed for schools to make it relevant to their pupils, improving engagement and fostering a real love of learning.”