UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
The Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)
OVERVIEW
PSTT has supported the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) since 2013. In September 2018, to ensure its continued delivery and development, PSTT increased its support for PSQM through a five year collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire.
The Primary Science Quality Mark is a developmental accreditation programme enabling primary schools in the UK to improve science education through effective science leadership and school self-evaluation.
PSQM began in 2009 by working with12 schools with the aim of raising the profile of science in primary schools through developing, sharing and celebrating good practice. Since then, over 3000 schools have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark and there are now over 80 hub
leaders delivering PSQM across all parts of the UK and beyond. PSQM training is focused on developing science subject leadership capacity, confidence and skills with the intention that all teachers and pupils benefit through raised standards.
In January 2019, PSQM produced a special issue of Primary Science, published by the Association for Science Education (ASE). Edited by Jane Turner, the director of PSQM, this collection of articles explores the wide benefits of being involved with PSQM. Articles are written by subject leaders from schools working towards a first award and from schools aiming for PSQM gilt or outreach, and by hub leaders who describe the process from their perspectives. The issue is free to access for all – click here to download it.
EXEMPLAR MATERIALS
The exemplar materials below have been developed through a PSTT funded project in collaboration with PSQM. The collection of examples of good practice in the teaching, learning and leadership of primary science can be used to support schools participating in the Primary Science Quality Mark. They can also be used by schools not participating in PSQM to raise the profile of science teaching in school. Please note, the resources have been developed by a College Fellow and PSQM Hubleader supported by PSTT and PSQM, but should not be seen as a fully comprehensive guide of how to complete your PSQM submission.
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1. Assessment
A. A whole school assessment approach [971.96kB]
B. Assessing and Celebrating Science [2.29MB]
C. Assessment Opportunities [832.25kB]
D. Assessment strategies [1.59MB]
E. Manageable Assessment [836.92kB]
F. Whole School Assessment [963.93kB]
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2. COMMUNICATING SCIENCE
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A. Communicating Science in Assemblies [672.00kB]
B. Communicating science through videos [1.08MB]
C. How we communicate, celebrate and share our science [1.01MB]
D. Using our website to communicate Science [701.46kB]
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3. CURRICULUM LINKING
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A. Delivering the curriculum in different ways [1.12MB]
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B. How Science has been linked with other curriculum areas [2.47MB]
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4. ENGAGING PARENTS
A. Capturing parent expertise [909.93kB]
B. Involving parents in science week [1.10MB]
C. Three ideas to engage parents [721.48kB]
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5. LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY / OUTSIDE AGENCIES
A. Linking with the community to develop our outdoor environment [2.83MB]
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B. Making links with the community [4.56MB]
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C. Makings links with an outside agency [0.99MB]
D. National project Link - being a real scientist [1.26MB]
E. Promoting 'science capital' through links with the community [1.21MB]
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7. PLANNING
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A. Effective planning [2.60MB]
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B. Planning development [2.38MB]
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8. PUPIL LED ENQUIRY
A. A "Science Fair" to promote pupil led enquiry [1.10MB]
B. Developing independence, choice and challenge through Rich Tasks in Science [1.32MB]
C. Pupil led enquiry using concept cartoons and other strategies [1.00MB]
D. Pupils leading their planning for enquiry [1.58MB]
E. Pupil led science through the topic of space [2.56MB]
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9. PUPIL WORK
A. Evidence types of pupil work [3.02MB]
B. Recording through models [1.05MB]
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10. SCIENCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
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A. Developing the outdoor environment [1.06MB]
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B. Using the outdoor environment [16.72MB]
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11. SUBJECT LEADERSHIP
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A. Continuing Professional Development in Science [1.11MB]
B. CPD through Science Week [848.33kB]
C. CPD to develop Teaching and Learning [1.20MB]
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D. Developing Principles of Science Teaching and Learning [2.45MB]
E. Monitoring strategy [734.11kB]
F. Providing effective Science CPD for staff [1.29MB]
G. Science Principles impacting on Teaching and Learning [2.02MB]
H. Spreading good science principles throughout the cluster [1.58MB]
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I. Strategies for listening to pupils [1.73MB]
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J. Using a Subject Leader Log [686.00kB]
K. Using our Science Principles [1.89MB]
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L. Using Pupil Voice [760.50kB]
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CONTACT
Contact details: Jane Turner j.turner@herts.ac.uk