Session 1: Getting started on the PSQM Journey

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But… 1.Why are you here? 2.Where is your school in terms of science?

Some Comments ‘Has been the best tool for school improvement ever!’ ‘Very reflective and well structured process. Being involved in the PSQM has definitely raised the standards of science at our school.’ ‘Hard work but very rewarding. It helped me appreciate how much we were already achieving and focus on what still needs to be done. I'm using the model of the application process to drive improvements in another subject area this year.’ ‘The process gave me a framework to lead change in Science teaching and learning in my school. Science in my school has transformed beyond recognition. I would recommend for every school to become involved.’

How the PSQM scheme works PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ®

The Primary Science Quality Mark is an award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools can achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ®

PSQM Aims 1.To raise the profile of science in primary schools 2.To encourage an increase in the range and quality of teaching and learning in science 3.To recognise, promote and spread good practice in science teaching and learning 4.To provide a framework for evaluating, planning and developing the quality of science teaching and learning 5.To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

In England, PSQM has been recognised by the National Inspection Team (Ofsted) in both recent reports (2010 & 2013): e.g. in 2013: School leaders who recognised the likelihood of a declining profile for science were able to mitigate the risk by, for example, seeking accreditation through the Primary Science Quality Mark. The process of gaining the award brings benefits beyond the certificate, because it requires school leaders to evaluate their provision and justify their science curriculum as being fit for promoting good learning. It also connects school science leaders to other primary school leaders who have successfully raised the subject’s profile in their schools. The National Perspective

The state of Science in Scotland (2013): Learning &teaching in the sciences in the classroom is continually improving. Much progress has been made in developing and embedding new and improved learning and teaching approaches in everyday educational practice. The use of interdisciplinary learning (IDL) which offers opportunities for children and young people to experience learning from different subject &curriculum areas in motivating and relevant contexts, is an increasing feature of learning across all sectors. [However but needs to be] planned sufficiently well to ensure breadth and to develop children’s knowledge and skills in a progressive way. [We need to] ensure that all children and young people’s entitlement to a broad general education is being met. The National Perspective

The Story So Far….. Draft criteria established and programme piloted National roll out began in 2011, supported by the Wellcome Trust Ofsted validation in ,219 schools have achieved a PSQM award since its launch in 2010 A further 484 schools will achieve a PSQM award in onwards PSQM is supported by partnership of University of Hertfordshire and the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) 60+ trained and active hub leaders in the whole of the UK and wider afield.

PSQM self evaluation framework Science subject leadership Teachers and teaching Pupils and learning Wider opportunities The Scheme Layers

Schools achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark award through a process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection. Supported by compulsory training and mentoring they: 1.complete an initial audit against PSQM criteria; 2.decide which award to aim for; 3.design an action plan which they put into place over a period of terms; 4.submit key pieces of evidence to support their submission for the selected award and to illustrate the impact that their actions have had whilst working towards the achievement of the PSQM award criteria. The Process

The Project agreement was set up to ensure that all parties were aware of the roles and responsibilities that each has. It is the document that shows your HT is fully behind this. What challenges can you see? Responsibilities

15 Outline Calendar The Primary Science Quality Mark By SeptBy End of OctBy End of Nov By End of MarchBy End of JulyOct Day 1 training Session: TODAY! Session 1 Training Audit of current practice against PSQM criteria Decide on level going for Complete action plan and upload to PSQM website Session 2 Training Implement Action Plan. Evidence collection is on-going Session 3 training Day 2 training session: ADD THE DATE HERE IF YOU HAVE IT! Session 4 Training Submit reflections with supporting evidence Award notification end May Award Ceremony Mentoring The PSQM Calendar

Using the PSQM Website PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK®

GOLD AWARD The subject leader ensures that excellent practice is visible, sustained and evolving across the whole school. This excellent practice has a clear impact on partners beyond the school. SILVER AWARD The subject leader is having an increasing impact across the school, where science has a high profile. Many excellent practices are developed and implemented. Some links with partners outside the school are being established. BRONZE AWARD The subject leader is beginning to have an impact beyond his/her own class and the profile of science is growing across the school. Some excellent practices are being developed and implemented. PSQM SILVER PSQM GOLD PSQM Bronze PSQM Structure

Activities to Support Criteria

1.Principles 2.Pupil voice 3.Transition 4.Staff vision 5.Albums 6.Learning walk 7.Monitoring 8.Resources 9.Book Scrutiny 10.Visits, visitors 11.Links/ creativity/ cross curricular 12. Community 13. T/L strategies 14. CPD Impact 15.Display board observation capture 16.Lesson observations 17.Planning Scrutiny 18.Peep Activities

Gap Tasks 1.Carry out a Pupil Voice Activity 2.Use evidence from Pupil Voice and discussion with SLT, to complete your self-assessment before the next session, and make notes on things you may need to complete to reach the award level you wish to go for. 3.Hold a staff meeting to run the Principles of Science activity.