We are delighted to have renewed our Primary Science Quality Mark this week.
This follows a one-year school improvement programme for primary science, which provided professional development for our science leadership team. The renewal of our award shows that the way science is planned and taught across the whole school has continued to improve since we were last reviewed. Our reviewer’s feedback included this summary:
It was a pleasure to review this submission because evidence was presented well, and I could clearly identify the impact that taking part in the PSQM process has had on science provision at Norton Primary. It is particularly pleasing to see that science leader has grasped opportunities to develop knowledge about strategies for leadership and applied these to support and inspire staff. A particular highlight for me was the introduction of activities to develop positive attitudes through science capital initiatives. Ultimately, your children are benefiting from these. There are clear plans for areas which need further development and I feel confident that science will continue to develop and grow. Well done!
PSQM Hub Leader: Helen Spring
The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust. The trust’s director, Associate Professor Jane Turner, wrote:
“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.”