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About PSQM

This is a joint project led by the Association for Science Education, the national network of Science Learning Centres, and Barnet Local Authority.

The team is now rolling out the Primary Science Quality Mark™ across England, 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

The Primary Science Quality Mark ™ has the following aims:

  • To raise the profile of science in primary schools
  • To encourage primary schools to increase the range and quality of teaching and learning in science
  • To recognise, promote and spread good practice in science teaching and learning
  • To provide a framework for evaluating, planning and developing the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools
  • To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

PROCESS

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 and 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.