Primary science has rightly been recognised as one of the great successes in UK education over the last 20 years--a jewel in the National Curriculum crown. Its successes are evidenced by the high numbers of pupils achieving the target levels in national tests and by the rising number of science lessons rated as good or better in school inspections (Ofsted, 2002). One might expect, therefore, that these successes would establish a firm base for improving pupils' performance at the adjacent phase of education, key stage 3. The reality, however, is that as many as two out of every five pupils fail to make the progress that might be expected of them following transfer from primary to secondary school science (Galton, Gray and Ruddock, 1999). In this article, the author shares how KS2/3 bridging work can provide key benefits for primary teachers and pupils. (Contains 1 figure.)