Peterborough school celebrates science success

West Town Primary Academy has become one of just 160 schools across the country to be awarded a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) for its teaching and learning in the subject.

West Town Primary Academy’s principal, Hannah Quinn, said the award recognised the commitment and skill of West Town’s teachers in the teaching of science.

She said: “This is a tremendous achievement and is a testament to the hard work of our teaching staff to really engage the pupils with their learning in science. The subject has never been more prominent with the daily discussion and coverage around coronavirus so it is vitally important our pupils learn about science and its impact across society.”

West Town Primary Academy has built strong relationships with Peterborough businesses including Perkins Engines and Whirlpool. The businesses have kindly donated engineering resources for the pupils to use.

Lauren Cox, a lead science teacher at West Town Primary Academy, added: “All year groups are taught science and we aim to do a minimum of two hours each week on the subject from Year 1.

“We want the pupils to feel like scientists when they are learning and we often hold special science days and weeks where we ask pupils to dress up as it helps them to learn all about the different careers an interest in science can lead to.

“The recent change to home-schooling has also opened up different opportunity as pupils are getting more used to learning online and familiarising themselves with new technologies.”

Three other Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT),primary schools also achieved the PSQM – Sawtry Junior Academy, in Sawtry; Downham Feoffees Primary Academy in Downham, near Ely; and Bar Hill Primary School, near Cambridge.

Associate professor Jane Turner, PSQM national director, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has made everyone aware of the impact of science on our daily lives and primary schools have an important role to ensure that children understand how science works and keeps us healthy and safe.

“The profile and quality of science 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 scientific understanding and skills.

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