Comment ‘The process of the PSQM Award enabled me as a co-ordinator to thoroughly analyse our current practice in school, assessing our strengths and weaknesses and formulating actions for our next steps.’

Comment ‘Has been the best tool for school improvement ever!’

Comment ‘Very worthwhile in raising the profile of science across school and also celebrating success of achievements, which led to our award.’

Comment ‘Very reflective and well structured process. Being involved in the PSQM has definitely raised the standards of science at our school.’

Comment ‘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.’

Comment ‘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.’

Comment ‘I really enjoyed the process, learned a lot about my responsibilities, science as a subject and our school's status in terms of science. The support from the hub leader was fantastic and it was really nice to be able to share experiences and trips to schools of all other members of our hub group. Thank you! ’

Leader or Manager? PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY 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 SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ® What is it?

Celebrating Success

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 PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ®

‘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 Background and Rationale

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?

Ofsted inspectors identify that PSQM: Helps school leaders who recognised the likelihood of a declining profile for science to be able to mitigate the risk by, for example, seeking accreditation through the primary science quality mark (PSQM). requires school leaders to evaluate their provision and justify their science curriculum as being fit for promoting good learning. connects school science leaders to other primary school leaders who have successfully raised the subject’s profile in their schools. Maintaining Curiosity – A Survey into Science 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 How will doing PSQM Help?

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’. Why do it?

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

So… …can PSQM help you with that trickiest of jobs for the subject leader? PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ®

B3: There is a range of up-to-date, quality resources specifically for teaching and learning science. ICT is used both as a tool and as a resource for teaching BRONZE AWARD INDICATORSILVER AWARD INDICATORGOLD AWARD INDICATOR There is a well-organised, well- maintained, plentiful, appealing range of appropriate school- bought practical science and ICT resources, plus freely obtainable ones, which are available for all staff and children and are regularly used. Science resources are used across the school and are well maintained and organised. They are audited regularly and the school has identified suitable further resources to purchase that will enhance teaching opportunities. Use of ‘free’ resources, such as rock samples, fabric collections and plants has been developed. Science resources are audited regularly in line with School Development Plan targets for science. They are clearly catalogued, freely available to all staff and children and provide materials suited to all levels of ability. Staff and children are aware of resources available and use them to good effect within their lessons. Good use is made of external agencies who lend equipment to enhance science teaching and learning. Primary Science Quality Mark

B3 There is a range of up- to-date, quality resources specifically for teaching and learning Science. ICT is used both as a tool and as a resource for teaching  Get pupils to be technicians  Use a G & T group to monitor resources  Use your old digital blue microscope  Download free apps for tablets  Provide some resources permanently in classrooms e.g. hand lenses, measuring devices, cheap cameras, whiteboards and pens, force meters  Buy some goggles!  Have a review sheet for staff for the end of each topic – what would have made it better – it will help with next time.

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? PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK ®

Opportunity to share training and professional development with colleagues from other schools. Discounted membership of ASE Non-threatening review of progress and achievement The prospect of an award and a plaque for the wall! What do you get if you join?

Association for Science Education Membership Special PSQM only offer of discounted membership to ASE - Only £87.20 This is a special discount of 20% off Primary School Membership (usually £109) + a ‘Golden Ticket’ details below. This is only available to PSQM schools from Round 12 onwards. This includes: Whole-school CPD at no extra cost – The ‘Golden Ticket’ You will receive a “Golden Ticket” to ASE Annual Conference valid for 3 years (attend in 2017, 2018 or 2019 as you choose). This entitles you and all your colleagues to 1 free day at the conference worth £99 each. We have a dedicated programme for Primary and over 400 primary teachers attended the conference in Find out more.Find out more 5 copies of ASE journal Primary Science, which is packed with ideas and news. In addition you will have a subscription to the ASE magazine Education in Science. Plus access to the full resources from previous issues. Plus opportunities to attend ASE regional events, TeachMeets and great member discounts on books in our bookshop. See full list of membership benefits.full list of membership benefits How to apply: Simply go to PSQM website to find the application form and submit to form

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. What is the Process?

Go to: to register your interest. You will receive further information about joining programme by from: Melissa Nice Tel: who will also answer any questions you may have. How to get involved…