At St Andrew’s and St Mark’s (SASM) the science subject leader wanted to raise the profile of science with pupils, parents and staff. He also wanted science to be included in the school’s development plan. The subject leader used the process of gaining the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM), to help with this endeavour. To gain the PSQM, the subject leader:
- attended professional development sessions
- developed and implemented an action plan for science
- reflected on the impact of the actions from the plan
- gathered evidence to demonstrate impact
The case study below provides a description of one of the actions instigated as part of the process of gaining PSQM – Science Week.
What is ‘Mission X’?
An internationally focused, joint educational outreach challenge that integrates fitness, nutritional, and educational content from multiple space agencies, institutions, and countries.
During our science week, SASM had a host of visitors (including rocket scientists!), trips, a curriculum evening and the press visited the school. Children blended burgers, played with tin foil, did a lot of press-ups and tested urine as they trained to be astronauts.
The Mission X programme had a lasting impact on children and has been a starting point for further learning about space. Examples of its impact have included children stargazing at home and presenting their observations and space-themed class assemblies.
Mission X was completely free to take part in and provided experiments to discover the structure of bones, fat content in food and the effect of exercise on the body. All 280 children participated in Mission X, transforming their classroom’s into spaceships, the ‘astronaut training’ element created both a sense of purpose and ‘awe and wonder’ to our learning.
‘This week has been inspirational for my child- he’s talked about nothing but explosions all week!’
Year 4 parent
I loved making the papier mâché solar system. I made Mars, the red planet. I didn’t realise how small Earth is!’
Year 3 child
