Celebrating Success

What is it? 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.

AIMS To raise the profile of science in primary schools To provide an effective framework for development To celebrate a commitment to excellence in primary science

Background and Rationale ‘In too many primary schools science has ceased to be regarded as a core subject and little energy has been put into teaching an engaging and exciting programme of science.’ Ofsted 2005 Science is far too important to both a balanced education and the nation’s future to be allowed to decline. Alexander report 2010 ‘Greater emphasis needs to be placed on stimulating enthusiasm for science so that fewer children lose interest towards the end of their primary education.’ Wellcome Trust 2005

Background and Rationale ‘Schools’ provision for primary pupils’ learning in science should be evaluated against a wide range of indicators of quality, of which the levels of pupils’ achievement would be only one.’ Wynne Harlen, 2008 Perspectives on Primary Education 1

How will doing PSQM help? Ofsted inspectors identify the PSQM: ‘as an important mechanism for bringing about improvement in primary science.’ ‘Inspectors’ interviews with staff in the schools that participated in the initiative confirmed the improvements in teachers’ confidence and ability to teach science, with a consequent positive impact not only on pupils’ performance but also on their engagement and enjoyment.’

How will doing PSQM help? All the teachers, science coordinators and head- teachers spoken to were clear that PSQM had raised the profile of science and science specific CPD in their schools. Coordinators in particular stressed that the application process had enabled them to move science forward in ways appropriate to their schools.

How will doing PSQM help? As one said 'I was rapidly convinced that PSQM was a very effective tool for subject self-evaluation and improvement through professional development. I have since seen substantial progress in cluster schools, particularly those starting from an insecure base.‘ External evaluation report of PSQM June 2011

Celebrating Success Headline article in the TES on June 3 rd 2011

Why do it? Not jumping through hoops A personal rediscovery of old ideas and shared principles Not an imposed set of views of what constitutes 'good science' Provides evidence based guidelines and criteria that are about being a good subject leader and developing your subject, not matter which one, and even works ‘whole school’.

Does it offer value for money? ‘The contributions to raising standards that PSQM is making are at very low relative cost.’ HMI for science Nov 2010

What do you get if you join? A self-evaluation framework and support for its completion from the hub-leader and colleagues (two CPD days plus on-line) An incentive to encourage colleagues to reflect on and improve science teaching and learning Guidance on action planning and review of the plan by hub leaders

What do you get if you join? Opportunity to share training and professional development with colleagues from other schools. Free pass to the ASE annual conference Free copy of the ASE’s Be Safe! Non-threatening review of progress and achievement The prospect of an award and a plaque for the wall!

What is the Process? Submission follows a year-long programme that starts in either April or September of: professional development, school based evaluation, action planning, implementation and reflection on the impact at personal, professional and institutional level.

How to get involved Go to: to register your interest. You will receive further information about joining programme by from: Sarah Taylor (Project Administrator) Tel: who will also answer questions you may