Primary schools to receive prestigious PSQM science awards

Primary schools providing high quality science education are to receive a prestigious national accolade at a series of award ceremonies getting underway today.

The Primary Science Quality Mark, jointly run by the Association for Science Education and the Science Learning Centres network, will be awarded to 309 infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools.

The Association for Science Education’s Chief Executive Annette Smith said: “The success of these schools in embedding good practice in science teaching and learning is truly heartening in a time of change. 

“Congratulations to all of the schools, and to the PSQM team.”

The PSQM award is an important part of the ASE’s aim to ensure pupils receive a sound start to their science learning. Making the most of children’s natural curiosity while they are at primary school is key to piquing their interest in science.

Now in its second year of national roll-out, over 500 schools have received the PSQM award to date. This year, 55 schools will be presented with Bronze awards, 204 with Silver and 50 with Gold. Schools achieve a PSQM award through a year-long process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection.

Jane Turner, Associate Director Science Learning Centre East of England and PSQM project leader, said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Award is a significant achievement for a school. 

“The standard of the submissions has been extremely high and their content is quite breathtaking.

“Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

Annie Squires from St Albans Primary School, Derbyshire, a PSQM silver award winner from 2012 said: “It has been a whirlwind year, one where science at our school was flung firmly into the spotlight and remained there!

“I have loved every second of the process and I have witnessed myself grow in confidence and ability as a result, and also seen staff and pupils become more enthusiastic and engaged with science.”

Alex Pethick from New Cangle primary school in Suffolk ,a PSQM silver award winner from 2012 said: “The PSQM award scheme provides schools with the ‘toolkit’ to improve the quality of teaching and learning in science and I would recommend it to any school that strives to move science forward.”

The award is supported by the Wellcome Trust and the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust. The scheme enables schools to work together to share good practice and is supported by professional development led by local experts. It encourages teacher autonomy and innovation, while at the same time offering a clear framework for development.

Information for Editors

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. Schools achieve a PSQM award through a year-long process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection. Since its national launch in 2010, over 500 schools across the UK and in British Forces schools in Germany and Cyprus have achieved the award. For more information, please visit: http://www.psqm.org.uk/index.html

The Association for Science Education (ASE) is the largest subject association in the UK. Members include teachers, technicians and others involved in science education. The Association plays a significant role in promoting excellence in teaching and learning of science in schools and colleges. Working closely with the science professional bodies, industry and business, ASE provides a UK-wide network bringing together individuals and organisations to share ideas and tackle challenges in science teaching, develop resources and foster high quality Continuing Professional Development. The Association for Science Education can trace its origins back to 1900. Incorporated by Royal Charter in October 2004, the ASE operates as a Registered Charity. Further details of the ASE and its regional, national and international activities can be found at its website www.ase.org.uk

The network of Science Learning Centres is a national network for professional development in science teaching. Their aim is to improve science teaching and to inspire pupils by providing them with a more exciting, intellectually stimulating and relevant science education, enabling them to gain the knowledge and the understanding they need - both as the citizens and as the scientists of the future. For more information, please visit: https://www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. They support the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Their breadth of support includes public engagement, education and the application of research to improve health. For more information, please visit: http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/

For more information, please contact:

Jane Turner PSQM project leader j.turner@herts.ac.uk 01992 517627/07834 140666

Award events

The following PSQM award ceremonies will be occurring over the next few weeks should you wish to carry out interviews or film at the events: