What is PSQM?

Primary Science Quality Mark is a one-year school improvement programme for primary science, which provides professional development for around 600 new and experienced subject leaders each year. PSQM enables confident, knowledgeable, reflective leadership which results in an improvement in the way in which science is strategically planned and taught across the whole school.

The best training I have ever received. It moved science teaching and learning on rapidly.

Science subject leader - Oct 20

PSQM :

  • Enables science subject leaders to develop and articulate a clear intent and aspirational vision for science. The process of achieving a PSQM raises the profile and quality of science across the whole school.
  • Supports subject leaders to effectively implement a curriculum for science that is informed by research evidence and best practice data. Working with an expert hub leader subject leaders evaluate current provision for science and put in place a development cycle that leads to sustained progress in science across the school.
  • Ensures strong and positive impact: Children make good progress, building and consolidating their knowledge and skills, developing positive attitudes about science and its value to their lives and globally. Teachers and children enjoy their science lessons.
The PSQM process definitely raised the profile and value of science across the school. It provided opportunities for the staff as a whole to reflect on current practice and what we wish to achieve. It developed my skills as a leader and provided transferrable skills on how to lead a subject/area across the school.

Science subject leader -  Sept 2021

What are the Primary Science Quality Marks?

There are three different Primary Science Quality Marks to ensure that all schools can achieve the accreditation. Primary Science Quality Marks are intended to be school appropriate, and provide a framework for improvement and development in leadership and provision, whatever the starting point.

The PSQM self-evaluation and development framework consists of 4 aims (5 for PSQM Outreach), identifying goals for:

  • science subject leadership
  • science teaching
  • science learning
  • wider opportunities

To achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark, schools submit evidence of the impact of a range of activities required to meet one of three sets of PSQM criteria that define the aims:

The criteria are differentiated for each Primary Science Quality Mark to ensure that there is appropriate challenge and development for all schools, whatever their starting point. Over 60% of schools begin with PSQM, but for some schools, where effective leadership is already embedded, the other quality marks provide the right development goals.

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What is the PSQM Process?

Schools achieve a Primary Science Quality Mark following a rigorous process of self–evaluation.

Supported by compulsory CPD and expert mentoring the subject leader works with colleagues across the school to:

  • audit existing provision in science and agree appropriate quality mark to work towards
  • create and implement an action plan to develop all aspects of science teaching and learning
  • complete a reflective submission with key pieces of evidence to demonstrate the impact of science leadership in the school
  • the final submission is made online, via a bespoke PSQM Virtual Learning Environment

To find out more, register your interest here.