Primary Science Quality Mark

In a first for West Kirby School and College, we have been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM). The award was led by Mr Gill and Mrs Gooding.

Science at West Kirby School is of huge importance to us, extending a quality curriculum to primary and providing strong foundations for their later move to secondary.

The PSQM is an evidence-based professional development programme that effectively develops science leadership. Schools that achieve the PSQM must demonstrate a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning.

Speaking to Mr Gill who co-led the award, he commented, “It’s such a rewarding feeling knowing we now have the Primary Science Quality Mark. We want to ensure that our pupils are getting the most out of their education, and receiving this puts that into action”.

In the report, reviewers Nicola Beverly and Liz Lawrence commented that “evidence suggests the curriculum has made a real difference to children and their learning in science”.

Key points from the report include:

• Science leadership has been well-supported, which has increased capacity and effectiveness.

• Pupil Voice has taken place and outcomes have influenced developing practice.

• Introducing ‘exploratory sessions’ has given children a chance to experience processes and learn to use equipment prior to the learning activity.

• Reference is made to outdoor learning as a strategy to increase children’s engagement in science.

• Staff take steps to ensure that they are operating safely in classroom and outdoor learning contexts.

• Children can articulate their understanding of enquiry skills during lessons.

• A recent STEM day was well received; engaging and inspiring while remaining knowledge linked

• Children have been exposed to a wide variety of science contexts beyond the classroom itself. This has been a major focus for the school, providing opportunities that children would not necessarily receive otherwise.

• Close links with various museums and learning contexts appear to have been hugely engaging and enriching.

• Staff feel confident and supported in managing their workload.

• Children are engaged and see science as positive and relevant to them and their lives.

“There has clearly been a great deal of work carried out in the school and a significant number of criteria have been well met… Much has been achieved this year, so I am pleased to confirm that you have demonstrated that West Kirby School meets the criteria for PSQM. Congratulations” – Nicola Beverley, Liz Lawrence, PSQM reviewers.

Science is an important part of our overall STEM (Science, Technology, English and Maths) curriculum, and we are proud to have begun a STEM hub with community links to local schools, led by Deputy Headteacher Mrs Wilkinson.  Having full access to an enriching STEM curriculum ensures all pupils can access the most out of their education.