Session one

How the PSQM scheme works

The Primary Science Quality Mark TM 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

1. To raise the profile of science in primary schools

2. To encourage primary schools to increase 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 in primary schools.

5. To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

The Story So Far…..

• Draft criteria established and programme piloted 2008-2010

• National roll out began 2011 supported by the Wellcome Trust

• Ofsted validation 2012• 500 PSQM awards made 2010-12• 2013 onwards supported by partnership of University

of Hertfordshire and the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust

• 80+ PSQM hubs established across UK

• Ofsted inspectors identify the Primary Science Quality Mark 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.

• The initiative has shown how strongly motivated professionals in science education can work with science-based industry and other agencies to promote higher standards in science education.

Ofsted 2012

8

The PSQM calendar (Schools Autumn Cohort)

The Primary Science Quality Mark Calendar- schools

Sept By end of Oct

By end of Dec

April or May

By end of June

Oct / Nov

Initial PD session

Audit of current practice against PSQM

criteria

Complete action plan. Upload to PSQM web

site

Implement action plan.

Evidence collection ongoing

Second PD session for

schools

Submit reflections

with supporting evidence

Award ceremony

Mentoring

9

Managing your time

PSQM self evaluation framework

Science subject leadership

Teachers and teaching

Pupils and learning

Wider opportunities

The Scheme

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:

•complete an initial audit against Primary Science Quality Mark criteria;

•decide which award to aim for;

•design an action plan which they put into place over a period of 2 - 3 terms;

•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

Website – Subject leader’s view

www.psqm.org.uk

Using the PSQM Website

What does the Primary Science Quality Mark look like?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 AWARDThe 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 AWARDThe 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

15

Gap Task!

• Complete your self-assessment before the next session, and make notes on things you may need to complete to reach an award.

• Hold a staff meeting to run the Principles of Science activity.