Collegiate Achieves Science Accolade

We are delighted to announce that our Prep School has been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark, to celebrate their commitment to excellence in Science leadership, teaching and learning.

In its report, the PQSM adjudicators noted that "...there is a clear vision for Science, created and implemented by teachers and children, through principles for teaching and learning" and that the Prep School "...uses initiatives that encourage all children to think that Science is relevant and important to their lives, both now and in the future,"

Mrs R McLean, Head of STEM at Collegiate Prep School, said: "I am delighted that we have gained the prestigious PSQM accreditation. It has been great to involve the children and wider community in developing the School’s Science Vision and Principles – students feel a shared ownership of this and are proud to show it off and talk about how the principles relate to their learning. Staff and students have really focused on teaching and learning through a range of enquiry types and skills this year.

"The highlight for me has been seeing the impact of implementing these initiatives on the teaching and learning of Science at Collegiate. The children are able to talk about the skills of a scientist and use key scientific vocabulary more confidently and we are developing and strengthening links with industry and our own Senior School."

Here are just a few quotes from students, staff and parents:

“Science is all about discovering how the world works!” Year 3 student

“I love STEM day as I love all things 'Science' and, this year, I got to build and program a Mars rover with Lego!” Year 5 student

“I’m a good scientist because I can ask questions and set up my own tests.” Year 6 student

“Children absolutely love investigating in the real world and you can see their curiosity grow.” Year 2 teacher

“I am so much more confident in planning and teaching for a range of enquiry types and skills and the children are beginning to identify the skills for themselves now too!” Year 4 teacher

“I wanted to say thank you for the STEM day. [pupil name] had the absolute best day ever. He loved every second. It was right up his street and, much to my horror, is still trying to take all the light bulbs out of the lights and replace them with homemade electricity!” Collegiate parent

“We just wanted to say a huge thank you for STEM club and awarding [pupil name] the CREST certificate and badge. I appreciate he will not show it but it definitely made him very proud and boosted his confidence. He frequently comes home to tell me what he is not good at but he rushed out to tell me he was good at Science and had an award to show. Thank you so much!” Collegiate parent

PSQM is a comprehensive evidence-based professional development programme that effectively develops science leadership, ensuring teachers have the knowledge, capability and support they need to transform science education and shape future generations.

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

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."