Three East Renfrewshire schools triumph with top science award

Jo McGregor, Paul Tyler and pupils from Mearns Primary School

Calderwood Lodge and Kirkhill primaries were presented with the prestigious PSQM award, which celebrates excellence in science teaching, with Mearns primary honoured with the Outreach award.

Mearns primary demonstrated how science leadership is having a sustained impact on science teaching and learning across the school and others, and is one of 11 schools nationwide to have achieved this top accolade.

PSQM is the only national award scheme to develop and celebrate the quality of science teaching and learning in primary schools. It aims to raise the profile of science by developing, sharing and celebrating good practice.

The PSQM process is a yearlong focus on developing science teaching and learning in primary schools. Schools evaluate their current science programmes, create and implement a detailed action plan and then evaluate the impact.

All three schools spent the year developing and improving science provision for all pupils, as well as providing training for staff and engaging families in their science work.

Councillor Paul O’Kane, Convenor for Education and Equalities, said: “The Primary Science Quality Award is a fantastic achievement for Calderwood Lodge, Kirkhill and Mearns primaries. I am delighted to see pupils engaged and enjoying learning about science in and outside of the classroom, thanks to the dedication and commitment of their teachers. I hope this scheme continues to inspire the next generation of budding scientists and engineers. Well done to all of the staff and pupils involved.”

The PSQM scheme is led by the University of Hertfordshire, School of Education in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.

Rachel Lindsay and pupils from Calderwood Lodge Primary School.

Jane Turner, PSQM National Director said: “Gaining a Primary Science Quality Award is a significant achievement for a school. The profile and quality of science teaching and learning in each awarded school is very high. Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure science understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, and parents should be very proud.”