A specialist school in Welling has been praised for its excellence in science education after receiving a prestigious national award.
Independent special educational needs school ALP Parkview Academy in Welling has achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM).
The award is a nationally recognised accreditation which celebrates excellence in science leadership, curriculum design, teaching and learning.
The school was highlighted for its high-quality science education, with inspectors noting that it had made “impressive developments” in science teaching and learning over the last year.
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The accreditation follows a year-long programme of professional development, reflection and evidence-based improvement led by the University of Hertfordshire, with inspectors praising the impact of science leader Claire Ward in driving improvements across the school.
Reviewers also commended the school's approach to supporting pupils with special educational needs, saying there is “much that many mainstream schools could learn” from its methods of introducing new vocabulary and developing confidence in science.
Inspectors said: "The impressive developments in science teaching and learning in a single year is something of which the entire school community should be immensely proud, especially Claire, without whom, none of this would have happened."
Speaking on the award, science leader Claire Ward said: "Achieving the Primary Science Quality Mark is a fantastic recognition of the journey we have been on as a school.
"I am incredibly proud of our pupils and staff, whose enthusiasm and hard work have helped us create a science curriculum that is engaging, accessible and inspiring for every learner."
ALP Parkview Academy is part of ALP Schools, a group of independent special educational needs schools. The academy supports young people who have struggled in mainstream education due to their additional needs and offers small class sizes and personalised learning programmes.
Inspectors praised the school's use of communication strategies, including Widgit symbols, sentence starters and talking frames, which help pupils develop scientific vocabulary, understanding and confidence. The report also highlighted how pupils can now "articulately discuss their own learning journey".
Head teacher Emma Chatzispyridou said: "We are absolutely delighted to have achieved the Primary Science Quality Mark. This award reflects the hard work, dedication and creativity of our staff, as well as the enthusiasm shown by our pupils every day.
"We are particularly proud that the report recognised the progress our learners have made in developing their scientific understanding, vocabulary and confidence.
"Claire has shown exceptional leadership throughout this process, and this achievement is a testament to the commitment of our whole school community to providing the very best opportunities for our young people."
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