Leading the way in primary science
With support from the Ogden Trust, the Primary Science Teaching Trust is supporting early career teachers to develop their primary science delivery.
Published: 16 October 2023
Recently qualified primary teachers who are working at Ogden partnership schools or are part of the Ogden Teacher network can now apply to take part in the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA) scheme, which supports early career primary teachers who want to increase their competence and confidence to teach and lead primary science.
“We know the importance of science in primary schools and the vital role that confident primary teachers can play in encouraging curiosity and scientific understanding in younger pupils,” explains Charley Phillips, Head of Teacher Support. “Our partnership programme already provides significant primary science CPD and resources, and the PSEA now provides valuable scope for early career teachers to consolidate and build on their science leadership potential.”
With support, mentoring and professional development from expert primary science practitioners, early career teachers taking part in PSEA review, evaluate and reflect upon their teaching, building a portfolio of lesson ideas, teaching techniques and evidence of good classroom practice.
In the past academic year, Ogden Regional Rep Clare Warren supported four primary teachers to complete the PSEA. Clare explained, “I have been so impressed with the choice of activities that the participants have taken part in. The wide range enabled them to target their needs and develop their teaching in line with their schools’ priorities. Each developed their practice in relation to primary science teaching and learning and those new to subject leadership grew in confidence and knowledge of what great primary science learning looks like in the classroom.”
The PSEA was developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT) for teachers completing their initial teacher training; this partnership with the Trust now allows recently qualified teachers to develop their science teaching and leadership skills too. “The Primary Science Teaching Trust is delighted that these teachers have engaged in enhanced professional learning in primary science during their early career phase, and we are very grateful to The Ogden Trust for funding and supporting the scheme,” concludes Ali Eley, Outreach Director for PSTT.
Applications for this year need to be submitted by 10 November 2023. You can visit our primary science page to find out more and to make your application.
For more information about PSEA you can visit the Primary Science Teaching Trust website, where you will find example portfolios and further information about the scheme.
