A Southampton primary school has received a prestigious accolade for the outstanding quality of its science lessons.
Kanes Hill Primary School, part of Inspire Learning Partnership, has been awarded a Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) for its commitment to excellence in science leadership, teaching, and learning.
Steve James is the science leader at the Thornhill school, which was rated "Good" by Ofsted earlier this year.
He said: “The development of a knowledge-driven, enquiry-led science curriculum across the school has been phenomenal and it is truly a privilege to be part of the Kanes Hill team.
"To be awarded the PSQM GILT award in acknowledgment of this transformative journey is a huge accolade."
READ MORE: Kanes Hill Primary School in Southampton rated "Good" by Ofsted inspectors
A PSQM report added: "There is clear evidence that children are exposed to a full range of enquiry-led learning activities and that they are encouraged to question and find ways to solve problems."
Lisa Marshall is executive principal of Kanes Hill and St Monica Primary School in nearby Sholing.
She said: "PSQM’s mission is to transform lives by improving science education for pupils and teachers, and to receive its seal of independent approval means a lot.
“Science education helps our children develop ideas, critical thinking, logic and problem solving whilst blending numeracy and literacy. These skills are useful not only throughout school but in the future world of work as well.
"It was also lovely to hear in the review report that our science leadership team ‘energetically sought out highly engaging science-related experiences for children'.
“This is our second accolade this year, following Ofsted’s glowing report, and we will not rest on our laurels because our children deserve the best classroom experiences that can be had."
READ MORE: Children at Kanes Hill Primary School in Thornhill become published authors
The PSQM scheme is led by the University of Hertfordshire.
Helen Sizer, PSQM's 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.”
Following the Ofsted inspection, Kanes Hill was rated "Good" in four out of five categories and "Outstanding" in personal development. It had previously been rated "Requires improvement".
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