Great Barton CE Primary Academy near Bury St Edmunds is awarded Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)

A primary school has been awarded for its commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching and learning.

Great Barton CE Primary Academy, near Bury St Edmunds, has achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), a scheme that is helping schools to transform science education.

Over the previous academic year, the school’s science lead, Jane Green, has been working with the Primary Science Teaching Trust, supported by science consultant Claire Seeley.

Great Barton Primary identified key development points within the school and worked to improve these areas.

Through the process, there is now shared ownership throughout the school with involvement from the whole community and children who previously struggled to access science now feel confident and enjoy their learning, said headteacher Claire Ratley.

She said: “There are many areas of strength to celebrate. Our subject leader has supported the whole staff and school community to make changes that have had a real impact on the learning and wider opportunities pupils experience in science at our school.

“The enthusiasm and dedication of the subject leader and staff is continuing to strengthen the teaching and learning of science. I am very proud of the whole team.”

Last month, Primary Science Quality Marks were awarded to 425 nursery, infant, junior, primary, middle, international and special schools.

Helen Sizer, PSQM co-director, said: “By enabling effective science leadership, PSQM is powering the potential of all children to see the relevance and importance of science in their lives, now and in the future.

“Schools that have achieved a Primary Science Quality Mark have demonstrated a significant commitment to science leadership, teaching and learning and the profile and quality of science in each accredited school is very high.

“Science subject leaders, their colleagues, headteachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire.