About SCORE

The Association for Science Education, Institute of Physics, Royal Society, Royal Society of Biology and Royal Society of Chemistry have worked together in partnership for many years to support science education from ages 5-19, this collaboration was known as the Science Community Representing Education (SCORE). Moving forward the organisations will continue to work together but not use the name SCORE on the reports, consultation responses, position statements and evidence that is produced but refer to the individual organisations names.

Practical work in science

The Royal Society of Biology along with the other partner organisations believe that practical work is integral to science education. It should be intrinsic to the curriculum and be used not only to develop pupil’s understanding of scientific enquiry and practical skills but also to further pupil’s scientific knowledge and understanding.

The quality of practical work in science is heavily dependent on the confidence and competence of those teaching and supporting the practical work in schools.

SCORE produced a set of resourcing benchmarks for teachers and school practitioners to use when planning budgets and equipping classrooms and laboratories.

The benchmarks cover equipment and consumables, and access to outside space for primary schools, as well as secondary schools and colleges; and laboratory facilities, and technician staffing for secondary schools and colleges.

If you are keen to ensure practical work in science remains a top priority in your school download and use these benchmarks to:

• create an inventory and review current stock
• plan a rolling programme of replacement, to help with budget forecasting and procurement planning
• assist with planning new laboratories
• engage with the senior leadership team in recognising the needs of your science provision

Find out more and download the benchmark tools

Resourcing practical science in schools

The benchmarks were developed through the Resourcing Schools Science project which aimed to provide SCORE with robust and rigorously analysed evidence on the resourcing of practical work in the sciences, across primary and secondary schools and sixth form colleges in England.

For more information about the project go to:
SCORE policy – practical work in science

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