two primary children exploring magnets in the primary classroom

Primary Science Enhancement Award for Trainee Teachers

A free award recognising the professional development of trainee teachers

Trainee teachers can achieve the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA) by completing PSTT’s online route, increasing their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science.

Aims of the scheme

  • To increase experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science
  • To develop competence and confidence to teach science
  • To be confident to take up a position of school leadership in science in the future
  • To actively engage with the Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Primary Science Quality Mark and the Association for Science Education.

What does the award entail?

There are 3 main stages of the award:

  • STAGE 1: ACTION PLAN – with support from your allocated e-tutor, you reflect upon your strengths and areas for development in teaching primary science. You set yourself some targets.
  • STAGE 2: THE ACTIVITIES – You complete 3 compulsory activities and choose 3 optional activities from a list. (See below)
  • STAGE 3: REVIEW – You reflect on your targets and your achievements.

 

Compulsory Activities

  • Choose an article from the Association for Science Education publication Primary Science and use the strategy/approach described with a group/class of children. Reflect on the outcomes.
  • Choose one of the selected PSTT free resources and try it with a group/class of children. Reflect on the learning outcomes
  • Interview a science subject leader who has recently completed Primary Science Quality Mark to find out how they identified the priorities for their school. (NB – These will be online sessions arranged by PSTT)

 

Optional Activities

Choose 3 from the following:

  • Development of science subject knowledge in one topic area
  • Observation of a science specialist teaching a science lesson
  • Delivery of an extra-curricular activity, e.g. after school science club, family science event
  • Trial of an Explorify activity with a group/class of children
  • Review of a lesson plan/activity from a science scheme of work
  • Presentation at a network meeting, conference or other science education event
  • Trial of a Teacher Assessment in Primary Science (TAPS) focused assessment task
  • Writing of an article for publication – blog or journal
  • Engagement in other pedagogical development or action research activity – to be agreed with tutor

Support to choose the best activities for you will be available from your e-tutor.

 

Download an overview flyer of the award to share with others.

Register your interest to take part

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