University of Chichester student teachers earn national Primary Science Enhancement Award

Harriet Germain, Fiona Brown and Phoebe Weaver received the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA) for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) on 20 August 2024.

This award was developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust. The scheme, now in its third consecutive year, is supported by the Association for Science Education, the Primary Science Quality Mark and The Ogden Trust.

The PSEA scheme enables student teachers to increase their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science. The scheme draws on rationale, processes and resources developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Primary Science Quality Mark, and by Stranmillis University College in Belfast. It supports the student teacher to develop additional reflective practice development in primary science during the initial teacher education phase. After receiving the PSEA, student teachers are able to start their careers with increased competence and confidence when teaching science and are equipped to take up future school leadership positions in science.

A student teacher who successfully completed the 2024 PSEA said, “The scheme has improved my overall confidence in teaching science and has given me insight into what is involved in science leadership, helping me to confirm that I am making the right career choice.”

Harriet, Fiona, and Phoebe, overseen by Programme Coordinator for Primary PGCE, Deborah Wilkinson at University of Chichester, gained new strengths ranging from making cross-curricular links between science and additional subjects to developing scientific enquiry skills in pupils during the PSEA scheme.

106 student teachers from across the UK have been awarded the PSEA for ITE this year. These new teachers are encouraged to develop their skills with the support of the Primary Science Teaching Trust, while expanding their work in primary science education.