The Melksham Cluster

PSTT Cluster Programme: commenced 2015 / 2016

The Melksham Cluster is a cluster network based in Wiltshire and involves nine primary schools. Before becoming a Cluster, the schools had already been working together and each school was provided with the ‘ASE Science Subject Leaders Audit’ to facilitate a needs analysis.
The Melksham Cluster has become a very supportive group of schools that illustrates the benefits of networks and collaboration, particularly in a changing educational context. Strengthened by its Co-ordinator, the group values connections and is outward looking.

Cluster Lead: Carol Sampey

There are currently nine schools participating in the Melksham Cluster:

Shaw CE Primary School (Lead School)
Corsham Rd
Shaw
Melksham
SN12 8EQ

The Manor CE Primary School
Ruskin Avenue
Melksham
SN12 7NG

Seend CE Primary School
School Road
Seend
Melksham
SN12 6NJ

St George’s Primary School (An historical member of the cluster until 2018)
Pound Lane
Semington
Trowbridge

Broughton Gifford Primary School
The St, Melksham
SN12 8PR

Bowerhill Primary School
Halifax Rd, Melksham
SN12 6YH

Forest and Sandridge
Cranesbill Road
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12 7GN

Aloeric Primary School
St Michael's Road
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12 6HN

Churchfields, the Village School
Bradford Road
Melksham
SN12 8HY

Lacock C of E Primary School(Joined the cluster in 2018)
High Street
Chippenham
SN15 2LQ

The vision of the Melksham Cluster includes a closer provision and shared understanding of what good primary science looks like. The role of the Science Leader will be developed as this will enhance the learning for the primary children and also give greater continuity during transition. It is hoped that all primary schools will also achieve PSQM at Bronze/Silver or Gold level.

Key Achievements:

• Science Trails and outdoor learning opportunities have been developed in school grounds.
• Melksham Science Share have been a huge success. Science Shares are now an established part of the school calendar.
• UCL project: “How Can We Support Children to Explain Their Scientific Ideas and Findings by Drawing on Evidence.” has been a central focus of the cluster.
• Two schools have achieved PSQM Silver award.

Key Impact:

• The profile of science has been raised.
• Subject leaders reported a greater enjoyment of science as a subject.
• Supportive Cluster Co-ordinator’s visits to schools have been a very beneficial part of the cluster’s collaboration.
• The UCL Project has had considerable positive impact on teachers and children.
• A flexible approach to the needs within the cluster has had a strategic beneficial effect.

To find out more information about our cluster programme or how you can you get involved please feel free to contact us and we will respond as soon as possible.