We are delighted to announce that Southfield School has been awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), a nationally recognised accreditation that celebrates excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.

 

The award, led by the University of Hertfordshire, recognises schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to developing high-quality science education and ensuring that all children have access to engaging, meaningful and inspiring science experiences.

 

This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects a whole-school commitment to continually improving opportunities for our pupils and ensuring that science is accessible, ambitious and relevant to every learner.

 

The PSQM review team praised Southfield's commitment to science, recognising that science now holds strategic importance within the school and highlighting the active involvement of leaders, governors, staff and the wider school community in strengthening science provision.

 

The report also recognised the positive impact of curriculum development, noting that pupils now demonstrate a greater awareness of the relevance of science to themselves and others and are making meaningful connections with their learning.

 

Particular praise was given to the innovative approaches used to support our pupils, including the use of symbols, Makaton signing, sentence frames and word banks to enhance access to science learning.

 

One of the most powerful outcomes identified by the reviewers was the growing confidence and self-belief demonstrated by our pupils. They commented on how encouraging it was to hear children describing themselves as scientists, reflecting increased confidence, self-esteem and a growing can-do attitude towards learning.

 

The accreditation is valid for three years and provides Southfield with the opportunity to continue its journey through the PSQM national programme. A special thank you goes to Kate O'Neill, our Science Lead, whose dedication, leadership and passion for science have driven this work forward. We are also grateful to our staff, pupils, governors and families whose collective support has contributed to this achievement.