First quality mark for primary science

The first quality mark to celebrate a commitment to science will be awarded to 12 primary schools next week. The Primary Science Quality Mark, which has been developed by the SLC EE, in conjunction with the Association for Science Education and Barnet Local Authority and funded by the Wellcome Trust, offers schools the opportunity and framework to develop and celebrate a school-wide commitment to excellent science teaching and learning. There are now plans to roll this scheme out nationally.

Professor John Holman, Director at the National Science Learning Centre and Derek Bell Director of Education at the Wellcome Trust, will present certificates to the schools. The awards ceremony will take place at the Science Learning Centre East of England (SLC EE), hosted by the University of Hertfordshire.

‘This is sorely needed,’ said Jane Turner, Deputy Director at SLC EE. ‘Up to now there has been no existing quality mark for science in primary schools. There is now demand from schools and local authorities across the UK and internationally to roll the Primary Science Quality Mark Award Scheme out nationally.’