Scientific success as Star King Solomon Academy earns national accreditation

Led by the University of Hertfordshire, the PSQM is a comprehensive, year-long professional development programme that equips primary science subject leaders with the knowledge, capability and support needed to raise the quality and profile of science. At the heart of the programme is a structured development cycle that embeds critical reflection and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

Following a successful year on the programme, Star King Solomon Academy was officially awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark as recognition of the primary phase’s dedication to excellence in science education.

In the review feedback, the PSQM Reviewer commended the school for its clear focus on enhancing both teaching resources and strategies, noting that this had ‘an impact on pupil engagement and children feeling more successful.’

The feedback also praised the school’s primary Science Leader for working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and other stakeholders to enrich science capital and develop a dynamic, inclusive curriculum, stating that ‘real effort has been made to ensure that the school’s science curriculum reflects the Afro-Caribbean background of most pupils.’

The reviewer went on to highlight the range of special events and visitors that have helped bring science to life, observing that ‘this evidently had a particular impact on girls and SEND pupils’ – supporting them to see themselves as scientists and inspiring a lasting enthusiasm for the subject across the school.

The Reviewer’s impact statement and final validation summarised the school’s achievements, stating: ‘It is great to read about the impact that the PSQM year has had on the profile of science, children's ability to see themselves as scientists, teachers’ confidence and on the wider school community’s engagement. The science week sounds like a real highlight! Congratulations to you all on achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark. The school community is developing effective practice in providing an inspiring science education.’

Reverend Michelle Grannell, Primary Principal at Star King Solomon Academy, spoke of the school’s pride in receiving the accreditation, saying:

“We are thrilled to receive the PSQM, recognising our dedication to high-quality science education. We are particularly proud of bringing the learning of science to life for our pupils – not just in the classroom but through a wealth of enrichment activities. The programme has been a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our pupils’ enjoyment of every aspect of our science curriculum and highlight our teachers’ creative and innovative lessons that make science engaging and relevant to our diverse pupil population."

Helen Sizer, PSQM Director, added: “By achieving The Primary Science Quality Mark, a school has shown commitment to raising the profile and quality of science education through the development of effective science leadership, visionary curriculum design and excellent teaching practice which is positively impacting on children’s learning across the school. Such success is only possible through the collective effort of the whole school community, and all those involved should be incredibly proud of this achievement and the positive difference this is making to children’s learning and understanding of the world around them.”