'Science is clearly a hands-on practical subject at this school.'

'Focussed improvement with children at the heart of the scientific reflection.'

 

Last year, we embarked on  a journey towards achieving the 'Primary Science Quality Mark.' 

What is it? Primary Science Quality Mark is a one-year school improvement programme for primary science, which provides professional development for around 600 new and experienced subject leaders each year. PSQM enables confident, knowledgeable, reflective leadership which results in an improvement in the way in which science is strategically planned and taught across the whole school.

The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.

Associate Professor Jane Turner, PSQM National Director said: “There was never a more important time for primary children to have a high-quality science education. The coronavirus pandemic and climate change crisis have made everyone aware of the importance of science in our world.  Primary schools have an important role to ensure that children understand how science works and keeps us and our planet healthy and safe. Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science teaching and learning. The profile and quality of science in each awarded school is very high. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure scientific understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

We are very proud of our new accolade and here are some positive points made:

'Science is clearly a hands-on practical subject at this school.' Which shows our vision of 'Be Practical.'

'Focussed improvement with children at the heart of the scientific reflection.' We care about what our pupils think to develop as a school. 

'It is clear that the school understands the function of assessment for both summative and formative purposes.' We care for our children's development through thorough assessments and develop key strategies from this. 

Thank you to all of those involved in supporting this process, here are a few photos of our fantastic children in action: 

Gardening with last year's year 3!

Str​​​awberry DNA extraction:

Receptions butterflies:

Chemical reactions in Year 5: