PGCE Primary Science
Specialist Programme
2015-2016
Dear Trainee
I’m looking forward to meeting you all in the week beginning 21st September for what I hope will prove to be
an exciting and rewarding year for you. Within the general pre-course information there is a similar letter to
this giving information about core science but as a science specialist trainee you may also like to choose to
read a few books from the science specialist texts. You will be given a Science Specialist Study Guide during
your first week, which details the nature of the module plus a full reading list and information about the
assignment.
There are a number of field visits throughout the programme including a residential visit to Escot Education
Centre early in the Autumn Term. During the two day Escot visit, you will experience Forest School
education for science teaching and also for cross-curricular links to other subjects. The cost of this residential
last year was £50, which included food and an overnight stay in Yurts. You will need to make sure that you
have adequate warm clothing, footwear (‘wellies’) and waterproofs for all field visits. You will also need to
bring a sleeping bag for the residential weekend. (Note: if due to financial or personal circumstances,
attending any of these trips will be difficult for you, other arrangements can be made for you to fulfil the aims
of these trips).
With best wishes
Dr Rob Bowker
(Primary Science course leader)
Science Specialist Texts:
Core Texts (as for Core Science course):
Dunn, M. & Peacock, A. (eds. 2012) Primary Science: A Guide to Teaching Practice, London: Sage
Publishers.
Harlen, W. & Qualter, A. (2014) The Teaching of Science in Primary Schools (Sixth Edition), London: David
Fulton Publishers.
Hollins, M. & Whitby, V. (2001) Progression in Primary Science (Second Edition), London: David Fulton
Publishers.
Lakin,L. (2013) Developing Independent Learning in Science, Maidenhead: Open University Press
Sharp, J. (ed. 2004) Developing Primary Science, Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Supplementary Reading for Specialism
Braund, M. & Reiss, M. (ed.) (2004) Learning science outside the classroom. London: RouledgeFalmer.
Cross, A. & Bowden, A. (2009) Essential Primary Science, Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Jeffs,T. & Smith M.K. (2005) Informal Education- conversation, democracy and learning, Nottingham:
Educational Heretics Press.
Littledyke, M., Ross, K. and Lakin, L. (2000) Science Knowledge and Environment. London: David Fulton.
Louv, R. (2009) Last Child in the Woods, London: Atlantic Books.
Osborne, J. and Dillion, J. (2012) Good Practice in Science Teaching: What research has to say. 2 nd edition.
Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Peacock, A. (2004) Eco-literacy for Primary Schools. Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books.
Sharp, J. et al. ( ed. 2004) Developing Primary Science, Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Shallcross, T., Robinson, J., Pace, P., Wals, A. (Eds) (2006) Creating Sustainable Environments in our
Schools, Stoke on Trent: Trentham Books.
Waite, S. (ed.) (2011) Children Learning Outside the Classroom: from Birth to Eleven. London: Sage.
Wenham, M. (2001) 200 Science Investigations for Young Students: Practical Activities for Science 5-11, London:
Paul Chapman Publishing.
Wenham, M. & Ovens, P. (2010) Understanding Primary Science (Third Edition). London: Paul Chapman Publishing.
Wilson, A. (ed.) (2014) Creativity in Education (2nd Edition). London: Sage Publications