Phil Watkins, Consultant.
TEL: 07815 759 093
EMAIL: phil.watkins35@outlook.com
Supporting both primary and secondary schools to make science outstanding and supporting pupil aspirations into STEM careers.
“Phil is an inspirational example setter” – Assistant Headteacher, Sacred Heart High School
“The science network meetings, organised by Phil, have allowed science teachers time to discuss and create many invaluable resources.” – Science Coordinator, Oakfield Junior School
“Phil has worked closely with the Science Department and has helped move the department forward to one of the highest attaining in the school.” – Head of Science, Hookergate Secondary School
“Phil has helped us to move our science teaching and learning forward with useful advice and practical help. Dual objective planning and teaching is the future of primary science” – Science Coordinator, Springwell Village Primary
"Phil is always on hand to provide an in depth knowledge of the science curriculum" – Science Coordinator, South Street Primary
“There was a visible increase in the quantity and quality of Science being taught across school” – Science Coordinator, St Alphonsus RC Primary
“Phil has given us the tools and support for us to develop assessment in science across the school.” – Science Coordinator, Oakfield Infants School
“Everyone was encouraged, felt positive and more confident about embarking on the national curriculum for science. He is very approachable, no-one felt intimidated and he explained carefully so everyone understood.” – Science Coordinator, St Oswald’s RC Primary School
I am now able to support staff with confidence, make informed judgements and allow children to direct their learning and take control in lessons2 – Science Coordinator, Eskdale Academy
“As a coordinator, the support I have received has developed, deepened and strengthened my knowledge of Science in the primary setting - Science Coordinator, Eskdale Academy
“Phil is without doubt the most inspirational professional with whom I have had the privilege of working during my teaching experience." - Director of Applied & Community Learning, Harton Technology College
“Support with dual objective planning has ensured the curriculum has greater depth, meaning and progression of skills.” - Science Coordinator, Mickley First School
“Network meetings are a fantastic opportunity to share best practice and to support science subject leaders in all aspect of their role.” - Science Coordinator, Mickley First School
“The science training delivered was fun, exciting and engaging for adults as we took part in activities which would stimulate children's learning and love of Science” - Science Coordinator, St Alphonsus RC Primary
“Phil has provided invaluable support. His knowledge of the subject and his enthusiasm is infectious.” – Science Coordinator, South Street Primary School
“Phil worked with children in class and had them totally engaged. They were enthusiastic and came out wanting more.” – Science Coordinator, St Oswald’s RC Primary School
“Phil played an instrumental role in raising the quality of our science teaching throughout the school.” – Headteacher, Kelvin Grove Primary School
“Phil provides a huge amount of support in the strategic development of our school and this is very much appreciated by all.” – Assistant Headteacher, Thomas Hepburn Secondary School
I came away for the first time since the Government changes enthusiastic about what Science could be like in my school” – Science Coordinator, St Alphonsus RC Primary
"Following Phil’s support, science is now taught in a more practical, hands on and exciting way which enables children to find out answers for themselves.” – Science Coordinator, Mickley First School
“CPD has enables staff across school to gain a greater understanding of the science curriculum and assessment methods.” - Science Coordinator, Mickley First School
“Staff training around dual objective planning has had an instant impact in the classroom, as observed in recent SLT lesson observations.” – Headteacher, Kelvin Grove Primary School
“Science became alive in our school after Phil worked with us and think every school would benefit from his amazing continuous input, couldn't recommend him highly enough!” - Science Coordinator, Swarland First School
“Phil is fantastic with the children and to observe as he has hundreds of engaging ideas and all the children love him.” - Science Coordinator, Swarland First School
“I never knew how to plan for science correctly until I met Phil and his dual objective planning. Now don't know how I ever taught Science before it!” - Science Coordinator, Swarland First School
"Phil is an expert in considering problems from multiple viewpoints and using this knowledge to produce solutions which are acceptable to all.” – Director of Applied & Community Learning, Harton Technology College
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SCIENCE NETWORKS
I support a range of networking opportunities within science.
I run a number of primary science coordinator networks across the North East of England. These are large and active regionally-based groups of schools that are instrumental in pushing science forward in your area. Currently, there are four networks:
• North Tyne Science Network – Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside
• South West Tyne Science Network – West Gateshead and North Durham
• South East Tyne Science Network – East Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside
• Tees Science Network – South Durham, Hartlepool, Stockton and Middlesbrough
These networks run as three termly meeting but a lot of the work is done back in school or working collaboratively to develop or trial strategies generated at the meetings. Please click here to download a network flier which gives a flavour of the work happing in these networks.
If you are in a school outside of these areas then it is easy to set one up. Bring together at least 10 interested schools in your area and contact me through phil.watkins35@outlook.com. I’ll then help you through the process. You can then link into the wider ‘family’ of schools to access unbelievable expertise, enthusiasm and on-going support.
When your school buys into the network your school will receive a range of resources free:
• A scheme of work from years 1-6 utilising dual objective planning
• A network standards file for Explaining Science providing assessed pupil work measured against year group expectation.
• A network standards file for Working Scientifically providing assessed pupil work measured against year group expectation.
• A recommended science equipment list
• A frame for a science policy
The charge for the network is only £100 for the yearly subscription. It is expected you attend meetings and support us to create future resources and strategies.
I work as a Triple Science Advisor for the North East of England. There are a range of activities, including termly networks advertised locally from the National STEM Learning Centre for secondary schools in the area. These are free events so please look out for them and get involved. The Triple Science Programme also supports direct science improvement through funded support by Triple Science Advisors. Please contact me directly to find out more.
The University of Hertfordshire runs the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) which is a national award for science in primary schools. It supports whole school science developments and leads to exceptional subject leader expertise. It raises the profile of science and ensures sustainable improvements on three levels – bronze, silver and gold award. I am both a hub leader and assessor for PSQM and hubs are run as supportive networks across the year to help you through the process. If you are interested then either contact me directly or contact PSQM through their website.