St Mary's University Student Teachers Earn National Primary Science Enhancement Award

Three Education students at St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) Anita Paris, Ashley Lesch, and Becka Sherston have 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.

SMU students Anita, Ashley, and Becka, overseen by Senior Lecturer Alex Sinclair and Lecturers Emily Montenero and Tina Darji at St Mary's University, 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.