www psqm org uk Session 1 Getting started

www. psqm. org. uk Session 1: Getting started on the PSQM Journey

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1. Why are you here? 2. Where is your school in terms of science? 3. Where do you want science to be?

Some Comments ‘Hard work but very rewarding. It helped me appreciate how much we were ‘ already achieving and focus on what still needs to be done. I'm using the model of the application process to drive improvements in another subject area this year. ’ Has been the best tool for school improvement ever!’ Very reflective and well structured process. Being involved in the PSQM has definitely raised the standards of science at our school. ’ ‘The process gave me a framework to lead change in Science teaching and learning in my school. Science in my school has transformed beyond recognition. I would recommend for every school to become involved. ’ ‘ http: //www. psqm. org. uk/why-do-psqm/participant-profiles

How the PSQM scheme works PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK®

The Primary Science Quality Mark is an award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools can achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK®

PSQM Aims 1. To raise the profile of science in primary schools 2. To encourage an increase in the range and quality of teaching and learning in science 3. To recognise, promote and spread good practice in science teaching and learning 4. To provide a framework for evaluating, planning and developing the quality of science teaching and learning 5. To celebrate a commitment to excellence in science in primary schools

The National Perspective In England, PSQM has been endorsed by the National Inspection Team (Ofsted) in both recent reports (2010 & 2013): School leaders who recognised the likelihood of a declining profile for science were able to mitigate the risk by, for example, seeking accreditation through the Primary Science Quality Mark. The process of gaining the award brings benefits beyond the certificate, because it requires school leaders to evaluate their provision and justify their science curriculum as being fit for promoting good learning. It also connects school science leaders to other primary school leaders who have successfully raised the subject’s profile in their schools. Maintaining Curiosity 2013

The Story So Far…. . • Draft criteria established and programme piloted 2008 -2010 • National roll out began in 2011, supported by the Wellcome Trust • 1600 + schools have achieved a PSQM award since its launch in 2010 • Currently 500 schools per year achieve a PSQM award • From 2013 onwards PSQM has been supported by partnership of University of Hertfordshire and the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) • 80+ trained and active hub leaders in the whole of the UK and wider afield. • Team of 7 senior hub leaders

PSQM self evaluation framework Science subject leadership Teachers and teaching Pupils and learning Broader opportunities

The Process Schools achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark award through a process of initial audit, followed by action and reflection. Supported by compulsory training and mentoring they: 1. complete an initial audit against PSQM criteria; 2. decide which award to aim for; 3. design an action plan which they put into place over a period of 2 - 3 terms; 4. submit key pieces of evidence to support their submission for the selected award and to illustrate the impact that their actions have had whilst working towards the achievement of the PSQM award criteria.

Responsibilities The Terms and Conditions agreement was set up to ensure that all parties were aware of the roles and responsibilities that each has. It is the document that shows your Head teacher is fully behind this. What challenges can you see?

The PSQM Calendar By October By end of Nov ½ or full day Complete Training self assessme Introducti nt on to PSQM By December January By April December onwards ½ day Complete Implement ½ or full day Training action Action By May End of June September November Award Submit reflections notification Ceremony plan and Plan. with Action Compiling supporting upload to Evidence Writing planning PSQM collection reflections a evidence submissio website is on-going n ½ day Training Mentoring

www. psqm. org. uk Using the PSQM Website PRIMARY SCIENCE QUALITY MARK®

PSQM Structure GOLD AWARD The subject leader ensures that excellent practice is visible, sustained and evolving across the whole school. This excellent practice has a clear impact on partners beyond the school. PSQM Bronze PSQM SILVER PSQM GOLD SILVER AWARD The subject leader is having an increasing impact across the school, where science has a high profile. Many excellent practices are developed and implemented. Some links with partners outside the school are being established. BRONZE AWARD The subject leader is beginning to have an impact beyond his/her own class and the profile of science is growing across the school. Some excellent practices are being developed and implemented.

Activities to Support Criteria

Activities to Support Criteria

Gap Tasks 1. Carry out a Pupil Voice Activity 2. Use evidence from Pupil Voice and discussion with SLT, to complete your self-assessment before the next session, and make notes on things you may need to complete to reach the award level you wish to go for. 3. Hold a staff meeting to run the Principles of Science activity.

Association for Science Education Membership Special PSQM only offer of discounted membership to ASE - Only £ 87. 20 This is a special discount of 20% off Primary School Membership (usually £ 109) + a ‘Golden Ticket’ details below. This is only available to PSQM schools from Round 12 onwards. This includes: • Whole-school CPD at no extra cost – The ‘Golden Ticket’ You will receive a “Golden Ticket” to ASE Annual Conference valid for 3 years (attend in 2017, 2018 or 2019 as you choose). This entitles you and all your colleagues to 1 free day at the conference worth £ 99 each. We have a dedicated programme for Primary and over 400 primary teachers attended the conference in 2016. Find out more. • 5 copies of ASE journal Primary Science, which is packed with ideas and news. In addition you will have a subscription to the ASE magazine Education in Science. Plus access to the full resources from previous issues. • Plus opportunities to attend ASE regional events, Teach. Meets and great member discounts on books in our bookshop. • See full list of membership benefits. • How to apply: Simply go to PSQM website to find the application form and submit to membership@ase. org. uk