We are absolutely thrilled that Wimbledon High has been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark Outreach Award. Primary Science Quality Marks have been awarded to 300 infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools this September to celebrate a commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.
So far, since its national launch in 2010, over 3500 schools across the UK have achieved a prestigious Primary Science Quality Mark, with just a very few being awarded the Outreach level. This is only awarded when the impact of science leadership, teaching and learning can be demonstrated on other schools, both locally and nationally.
The Primary School Quality Mark programme 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. Schools that achieve PSQM demonstrate commitment and expertise in science teaching and leadership.
The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire, School of Education in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust. Jane Turner, PSQM National Director said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Mark 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 scientific understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”
At Wimbledon High Madeleine Garczynski and Alex Farrer coordinated the school’s PSQM submission, but it has been very much a team effort that all of staff, pupils and parents should feel very proud to have been involved in.
Alex Farrer is also the Primary Science Quality Hub Leader running the SW London PSQM Hub from Wimbledon High. This year nine other local primary schools also gained their Primary Science Quality Marks as part of our hub, led by Alex, in her primary science professional development role. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with all nine schools and the science partnerships that have been fostered between schools this year will last for a very long time to come.
Congratulations to all schools gaining their Primary Science Quality Marks – what an amazing team effort it has been!
