1. Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM)
What is the Primary Science Quality Mark?
The Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) is a nationally recognised programme that celebrates and supports excellence in primary science. Schools work towards one of three levels—Bronze, Silver or Gilt—by demonstrating strong leadership, high-quality science teaching, professional development, pupil engagement and whole-school commitment to science.
Gaining PSQM status shows that a school:
- prioritises high-quality science teaching
- develops confident subject leadership
- fosters enquiry-based learning
- provides rich practical and outdoor science
- invests in professional development
- celebrates science within the whole school community
Our PSQM Journey at Aston Rowant
Silver Standard Award – 2018
Aston Rowant first achieved the Silver PSQM award in 2018, reflecting the strong foundations of science across the school - high-quality teaching, leadership, and a culture where scientific enquiry was already valued.
Gilt Award – 2022
In 2022, we achieved the Gilt Award, showcasing exceptional practice across all areas of the PSQM framework. This level recognises schools where science is not only high-quality but also embedded, sustained and continually improving.
Key strengths highlighted in your portfolio include:
- A clear, shared vision for science, rooted in the school’s Christian ethos
- Increased opportunities for hands-on enquiry and outdoor learning
- High-quality professional development for teachers, including CPD networks and Science Oxford training
- Strong monitoring and evaluation, including book looks, learning walks and pupil/parent voice
- “I Wonder…” teaching strategies that promote constant curiosity across all subjects
- A culture of independent enquiry, with children planning and resourcing their own investigations
- Raised Science Capital through visits, Scientist parents, and links with museums and experts (including the Natural History Museum)
PSQM has strengthened:
- staff confidence
- consistency across classes
- leadership capacity
- pupil enjoyment and engagement
- the visibility of science across the school
Re-Accreditation: Working Towards Gilt Renewal
We are currently (2026) working on our Gilt re-accreditation. This process involves:
- reviewing teaching and learning
- strengthening skills progression
- refreshing our enquiry approaches
- continuing to expand science enrichment
- evaluating impact on pupils and staff
Achieving renewal will demonstrate that Aston Rowant continues to offer high-quality, ambitious and enquiry-rich science, year after year.
Why PSQM Matters
PSQM enhances science for everyone in our community:
For pupils
- more hands-on learning
- more outdoor science
- better enquiry skills
- higher confidence and enjoyment
- real-life links to science careers
For teachers
- access to excellent CPD
- strong shared vision and principles
- well-organised resources
- supportive monitoring and assessment tools
For the school
- a clear, ambitious science curriculum
- national recognition of quality
- consistent teaching approaches
- a strong culture of scientific curiosity
PSQM ensures that science at Aston Rowant is exciting, meaningful and forward-looking.