What Is British Science Week?

A Simple Guide for Schools, PTAs and Parents

Every March, schools across the UK come together to celebrate British Science Week — a national celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

But if you’ve ever wondered what it actually involves, who it’s for, or whether your school has to do something big and complicated — this guide is for you.

Let’s keep it simple.

So… what is British Science Week?

British Science Week is a 10-day celebration of science designed to spark curiosity, excitement and conversation — especially for children.

There’s no set programme schools must follow. Instead, it’s about:

• Exploring science in fun, accessible ways

• Encouraging questions and curiosity

• Showing children that science is everywhere, not just in textbooks

Some schools run full science days or weeks. Others do a single activity, assembly or event. All of it counts.

Who can get involved?

One of the best things about British Science Week is that everyone can be involved.

🏫 Schools

• Teachers

• Science leaders

• Teaching assistants

• Senior leaders

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents & families

• Supporting activities at home

• Attending events

• Talking about science beyond the classroom

💙 PTAs

• Helping fund activities

• Organising events or sales

• Bringing the school community together

British Science Week works best when it feels like a whole-school, whole-community celebration — not something resting on one person’s shoulders.

Why PTAs and parents matter so much

Science becomes powerful when children see it valued beyond the classroom.

When PTAs and parents get involved:

• Children see science as exciting and important

• Schools can offer richer experiences without extra pressure on staff

• Events feel celebratory, not compulsory

For PTAs, British Science Week is also a brilliant opportunity to:

• Fundraise in a meaningful way

• Support learning, not just logistics

• Be part of something memorable for children

It’s not about being a science expert — it’s about showing interest and support.

Small efforts really do make a big impact

Here’s the most important thing to remember:

British Science Week does not need to be big, expensive or complicated.

Some simple ideas that make a huge difference:

• A short science-themed assembly

• One practical experiment per class

• A lunchtime science stall

• A small fundraiser linked to science

• A science display in the corridor

• A take-home activity children can share with families

Children don’t measure success by scale.They remember excitement, curiosity and moments that feel different.

The real goal of British Science Week

British Science Week isn’t about perfection.

It’s about:

• Making science visible

• Making learning joyful

• Giving children a reason to talk about science at home

• Showing that science is for everyone

When schools, PTAs and parents work together — even in small ways — the impact lasts far beyond the week itself.

Looking for an easy way to support British Science Week?

If you’d like to make British Science Week feel exciting and memorable — without adding extra work for staff — our Science Gadget Shop is designed to help.

It runs just like a book fair:

• We send the kit

• You run a short, simple sale

• Children love it

• Your school keeps the profit

PTAs use it to fund science activities, schools use it to support curriculum learning, and parents love that it feels purposeful and fun.

It’s a simple way to turn curiosity into excitement — and excitement into impact.

👉 Find out more about the Science Gadget Shop here.