The 2008 science curriculum for Wales marked a landmark change in the way teachers planned and delivered science in primary schools. It was at the vanguard of the more pupil-centred style of curriculum planning and pedagogy that supported the dual initiatives of improving the quality of assessment for learning and thinking skills in all schools. The key changes in the 2008 curriculum included: (1) the removal of science as a statutory subject in the foundation phase (up to 7 years of age); (2) a significant reduction in the quantity of content knowledge (range) prescribed in the new key stage 2-3 (ages 7-14) orders; (3) an increase in the focus on teaching and assessing science enquiry skills in all key stages; (4) a consolidation of science assessment into three new sections in key stages 2-3: plan, develop and reflect; and (5) a removal of the requirement to report progress in science in the foundation phase. This article details some of the challenges for schools and local authorities in aligning curriculum planning and pedagogy that reflect both the requirements and the ethos of the new curriculum. It also highlights some of the key ways forward that have been identified.