The Power of British Science Week: Engaging, Educating, and Exciting Schools

British Science Week (BSW) is an annual 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), organised by the British Science Association. Taking place every March, it’s designed to make science exciting, relevant, and accessible to all learners. But why should schools actively take part, and how can they make the most of it?

Brings Science to Life: Science isn’t just a subject – it’s the foundation of how our world works. BSW helps pupils see the real-world impact of science through hands-on activities, investigations, and discussions that make abstract concepts more tangible.

Encourages Inquiry and Problem-Solving: Science is about more than just facts; it’s about curiosity and exploration. BSW provides a great opportunity for pupils to develop their questioning, reasoning, and problem-solving skills – essential abilities not just in science but in everyday life.

Flexible & Inclusive for All Learners: One of the best things about British Science Week is its flexibility. Schools can engage in small classroom activities, larger whole-school projects, or even invite parents and the community to take part. The wide range of free and adaptable resources ensures that every pupil, regardless of their learning needs, can take part and enjoy science.

HEP Curriculum Lead Brenda Hayles has created a FREE resource pack to help schools engage their pupils in this year’s theme. It explores how wildlife adapts to environmental changes, and is designed to be engaging, thought-provoking, and easy to use, with ready-to-go activities for both Key Stage 1 and 2 learners.

What’s inside?

• Real-world case studies using local and worldwide examples, showing how different species adapt to environmental changes
• Editable Canva templates so teachers can customise lessons to suit their pupils
• Interactive science activities that encourage pupils to think critically and connect science to their own environment

The Greenvale Story Pack focuses on how living things adapt to their changing environments, whether through migration, physical changes, or human-made solutions. By exploring different case studies, pupils will gain a deeper understanding of how species survive in response to environmental shifts and how we can support biodiversity.

British Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to create excitement around science. There are many ways to make an impact, whether through whole-class investigations, school-wide science fairs, or integrating science into different subjects.

Teachers looking for an easy, engaging way to celebrate British Science Week can download the Greenvale Story Pack and bring meaningful, real-world science discussions into their classrooms.

We would love to see how these resources are being used. Schools are encouraged to send us videos or images of pupils engaging with the activities. These can help showcase the amazing learning taking place and inspire other educators to get involved.

The HEP Science curriculum and professional development programme was launched in 2021 to reduce teacher workload and improve pupil outcomes. It is now used by more than 100 schools, making a positive impact for thousands of children.

Our curriculum plans and resources are carefully sequenced and include a cohesive and detailed rationale, following the National Curriculum for science. The Key Stage 1 and 2 science progression from earlier years and towards further key stages is carefully mapped.

Each National Curriculum topic is introduced through beautifully illustrated booklets, full of concrete examples that put science in context for all learners. The topic booklet is used alongside a set of six lessons in PowerPoint format, designed to allow teachers to easily tailor each lesson to meet the needs of their pupils.

These all-inclusive resources ensure all children gain a deep understanding of scientific concepts and skills as they develop excitement and curiosity about the world around them.

Interested in exploring the HEP Science curriculum for your school? HEP Members, check out the curriculum resource page.

Not a HEP Member? Get in touch with BHayles@haringeyeducationpartnership.co.uk to find out more.

Brenda is an award-winning educator, who has taught science for over 25 years, to primary and secondary children and adults in Further education.

She gained extensive experience as head of science and technology and vice principal for Teaching and Learning. Brenda currently works with numerous London schools as a science consultant, Coach, Trainer and Network Lead. Brenda is also the illustrator of HEP Science resources.