Kensington Awarded Gold Primary Science Quality Mark

Schools Awarded Primary Science Quality Mark

In September Primary Science Quality Awards have been awarded to 347 infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools to celebrate a commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.  So far, since its national launch in 2010, over 2,500 schools across the UK have achieved the award.

Kensington Primary School is delighted to have been awarded the Gold Primary Science Quality Mark. This highest accolade demonstrates the passion and enthusiasm for the subject that is shared by children, staff and the wider community. The assessor commented that: ‘You have managed to weave science into all of your schools special weeks – well done – I know this is a tall order sometimes when time is tight. Your beautiful displays from around school celebrate learning in science. Parent quotes show strong support for your science week and its huge impact on learning.’ As well as noting that Kayleigh Cowx, Kensington’s Science Leader, was: ‘…most definitely an effective subject lead. The evidence on your subject leader log is fantastic. You are all over science in your school!’ They were also impressed by the way that Kensington has worked in partnership with the other schools in The Tapscott Learning Trust.

The Primary School Quality Mark scheme enables schools to work together to share good practice and is supported by professional development led by local experts. It encourages teacher autonomy and innovation while at the same time offering a clear framework for development in science subject leadership, teaching and learning.

The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire, School of Education in partnership with the Primary Science Teaching Trust. It is supported by the Royal Society for Chemistry, the Ogden Trust and the Association for Science Education.

Jane Turner, PSQM National Director said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Award is a significant achievement for a school.  The profile and quality of science teaching and learning in each awarded school is very high. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure science understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

For more information, please contact:

Jane Turner PSQM Director:

j.turner@herts.ac.uk

01707 28 1036

07792 395015

Notes to Editor

Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) is the only national award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools achieve a PSQM award through a year-long process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection. For more information please visit: www.psqm.org.uk

The University of Hertfordshire is the UK's leading business-facing university and an exemplar in the sector. It is innovative and enterprising and challenges individuals and organisations to excel. For more information please visit: www.herts.ac.uk/

The Primary Science Teaching Trust (formerly the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust) was created by Trust Deed in April 1997, to provide financial assistance to help improve the learning and teaching of science in the UK. Our objective is to help improve the education of children and young people in science. For more information, please visit: https://pstt.org.uk/