Two Primary Schools in Lowestoft are celebrating being awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) in recognition of their commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.


Westwood Primary School and Grove Primary School, both part of The Active Learning Trust, were praised for their high expectations of teachers and pupils. 


In his review of the schools, PSQM Reviewer Ed Walsh also said: “The schools have been very effective at building on their prior developments and achievements, recognising what they do well and focusing on next steps.” 


Mrs Rae Aldous, Executive Headteacher for both Westwood Primary School & Grove Primary School, said “I am thrilled to have been recognised for the high-quality science curriculum at our two schools. The children get very excited about science and enjoy their learning, showing confidence during lessons and beyond. I’m incredibly proud of our Science Leaders, who are knowledgeable, confident and effective in reflecting the changes in the curriculum that have led to such high-quality science delivery in our two schools.” 


PSQM is a one-year school improvement programme for primary science, which provides professional development for new and experienced subject leaders each year. PSQM enables confident, knowledgeable, reflective leadership which results in an improvement in the way in which science is planned and taught across the whole school. 


Lynsey Holzer, CEO of the Active Learning Trust shared her pride in the two schools: “We are delighted to see that all the hard work from staff at Westwood and Grove Primary Schools has been recognised with these awards and that the pupils are benefiting from the many exciting developments which have taken place recently. Well done everyone!”


The Primary Science Quality Mark is led by the University of Hertfordshire in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.