Primary Science Quality Mark

My PSQM journey

This began 4 years ago when I arrived at our school as a Year 6 teacher. As a new Science co-ordinator, the Head indicated a commitment to improving Science and it was identified that completing the Bronze PSQM was absolutely pivotal in promoting and supporting our school progression in Science- it has had a massive impact on our school, my Science Leadership skills and the Science learning journey for all of our pupils. 

Undertaking PSQM 

This was such an amazing experience and I was totally inspired. Bryony Turford- Yorkshire Senior Hub Leader(@priscigeeks)- totally ignited my interest and engagement with Science and teaching it at Primary. Having a positive growth mindset and encouragement is so important and she has that in bucket loads. She is a wonderful mentor and I am certain that she has made a profound impact on my ability as a Science teacher and leader, as well as helping me to ensure progression throughout our school in maximising the Science learning journey for our pupils. 

The accreditation involved hard work and commitment but is totally worth it. Supporting Science co-ordinators to clear the decks and assess their starting point enables them to understand school Science needs and ensure that actions undertaken have appropriate impact. Reflection is also pivotal in order to identify future actions and direct schools to continued progress. Areas explored included the Subject Leader role, Teaching, Learning and Wider Opportunities.

 

Celebrating PSQM Achievements

The evening of the PSQM accreditation Presentation, at the STEM Learning Centre in York, was a wonderful event and a real celebration. The PSQM team really go out of their way to be so welcoming, very personal to each participant and to really praise and celebrate the achievement of every school. I was thrilled at our event to catch up once again with colleagues who had also participated and meet creator and PSQM Director Jane Turner- who is such an inspirational woman. I also met the rest of the team who are all fantastic- these include Helen Sizer (Deputy Director) and lovely Melissa Nice (Senior Administrator). The whole ethos and environment of PSQM is uplifting, engaging, encouraging, professional, approachable and friendly- so inspiring.

 

Further Opportunities

I met Leigh Hoath whilst attending PSQM sessions- she is an inspirational Science Education professional. This has resulted in me becoming part of the ASE Primary Science Journal Editorial Board. Fellow participants included Claire Davies, a really excellent teacher and Science Lead. I also signed up for Farmer Time which has resulted in a great working relationship between myself (and our school) with Farmer Tom.  Through further recommendations for Science activities from Bryony, our school secured the loan of Space debris from STFC including Moon Rock- our kids absolutely loved that. Also, as a result in confidence and Science teaching knowledge, I went on to undertake a Masters in Education over the last two years which focused- during the dissertation- on STEM Careers information in Year 6.


New Hub Leader

Through hard work and a developing knowledge, I was given the opportunity to start training as a PSQM Hub Leader which I am absolutely delighted about. I applied on the PSQM website and was thrilled to be successful. The Hub Leader Conference takes place in September ach year and I was so pleased to be invited in September 2019- I absolutely loved it. I was in awe. I met Lynne Bianchi, Sarah Earle, Sarah Eames and Nicola Beverley- all exceptional Science Education experts- and feel privileged to now call them colleagues and friends. 

 




Lockdown

This has been a real challenge across the whole of society and for PSQM participants this was no exception. However, I have been absolutely blown away with how PSQM have adapted and supported participating Subject Leads and schools. R19 participants working with myself and Bryony met online over lockdown on a regular basis- another example of the wonderful PSQM community. This was so helpful in supporting individuals to support each other during lockdown and became a really enjoyable activity every couple of weeks.

Subsequent online training has included such a lot of PSQM ‘Spotlight’ webinars and fantastic training.

 

My own R20 hub

I have been so happy and feel really lucky to be working with Helen Spring- co-running our Yorkshire hubs- I absolutely love leading and supporting teachers and schools for PSQM.

 


Reflecting on PSQM and the PSQM Community

One of the most important things about PSQM for myself, has been meeting the wonderful colleagues who I am now so happy to call friends- our Yorkshire team including Angharad Pass, Kathryn Horan, Mandy Hodgkinson, Helen Spring, Michelle Proctor and of course, Bryony Turford. I am so happy to represent PSQM and feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing team.

 

Going forward

Our school is due for reaccreditation next year and I am looking forward to undertaking PSQM for a second time. I am excited about continuing as part of the fantastic team of Yorkshire Hub Leaders and also within the wider PSQM team.


Thanks for reading and see you soon,


Kate


For further PSQM details please visit the PSQM website.

psqm.org.uk 


Farmer Time

leafuk.org



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