Debbie Powell from Westminster Primary Academy in Blackpool, UK has been awarded the Primary Science Teaching Award (PSTA) for her innovative practice and exceptional dedication to primary science teaching.

L-R: Julia Ryle-Hodges (PSTT Board Member) and Debbie Powell (PSTA winner 2024)

The Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) works towards a vision of seeing excellent teaching of science in every primary classroom throughout the UK. It is known that many children decide before they are 11 whether science is for them, so high-quality, engaging science at primary school is vital. While not everyone will follow a career in science or related disciplines when they leave the school system, being scientifically literate is important for all children and their daily lives. Making individual decisions, e.g. about their own health and wellbeing through to understanding global issues such as the climate crisis, are dependent on a good science education.

Debbie’s teaching is dynamic and extremely responsive to her Year 2 children’s challenging and changing needs. She draws on strategies from early years and uses a learning menu approach for science. She is passionate about inclusion and ensuring that all children benefit from purposeful practical experiences, as well as small group discussions with her that focus on the key learning of the lesson.

Commenting on Debbie’s award, Martin Pollard, PSTT Chief Executive Officer, said: “Each of our PSTA winners has achieved fantastic things in primary science – inspiring children in their own schools as well as supporting science in their wider communities.”

Teachers that are doing incredible work, raising standards, excelling in tough conditions, and going above and beyond what is usually expected, deserve to be celebrated. The Primary Science Teacher Awards do just that - celebrate, reward and provide continued support for these deserving teachers. 

For her achievements, Debbie receives £1,000 personal prize money, a selection of TTS science resources (sponsored by TTS Group) for the school, and a year’s Association for Science Education (ASE) membership.

Debbie will be inducted into the ‘Primary Science Teacher College’ as a College Fellow where she will have access to many benefits including receiving funding and support from the Primary Science Teaching Trust to continue and expand her remarkable work in primary science education.  

The RSB is pleased to endorse Debbie Powell’s award.