session 1: getting started on the psqm journey
TRANSCRIPT
Add your contact details here!
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 SCIENCEQUALITY 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 SCIENCEQUALITY 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 2008-2010 • National roll out began in 2011, supported by the Wellcome
Trust • Ofsted validation in 2012• 1,219 schools have achieved a PSQM award since its launch
in 2010• A further 484 schools will achieve a PSQM award in 2015• 2013 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 2 - 3 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 MarkBy Sept By End of Oct By End of Nov By End of March By End of July Oct
Day 1 training Session:TODAY!
Session 1Training
Audit of current practice against PSQM criteria
Decide on level going
for
Complete action plan and upload
to PSQM website
Session 2Training
Implement Action Plan.
Evidence collection is
on-going
Session 3training
Day 2 training session:ADD THE
DATE HERE IF YOU
HAVE IT!
Session 4Training
Submit reflections
with supporting evidence
Award notification
end May
Award Ceremony
Mentoring
The PSQM Calendar
GOLD AWARDThe 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
PSQM Structure
Activities to Support Criteria
Activities to Support Criteria
Activities
Gap Tasks
1. Carry out a Pupil Voice Activity2. 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.
