A Dorchester school is on a mission to develop the next generation of budding scientists.

Staff, children and parents have all worked hard to make science at Damers First School something to be passionate and about.

And the hard work paid off as in September, Damers was awarded Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM).

The award is designed to celebrate schools that show a commitment to excellence in science teaching and learning.

Damers headteacher Catherine Smith said students had become inspired by science through the year with many deciding they want to be scientists when they grow up.

"It has been a joy for staff to see how inspired the children have become about science after all our hard work this year," she said.

One parent said that their child now loved everything about science and was always talking about about the subject at home.

Another parent said their child noted science as a "highlight of his year,” and “he is always experimenting at home now.”

This year PSQMs have been awarded to 230 infant, junior, primary, middle and special schools across the country.

Since its national launch in 2010, more than 3,000 schools across the UK have achieved the award.

The PSQM scheme enables schools to work together to share good practice, supported by professional development led by local experts.

Jane Turner, PSQM national director said: “Gaining a PSQM is a significant achievement for a school. The profile and quality of science teaching and learning in each awarded school is very high.

"Children are engaging with great science both in and outside the classroom, developing positive attitudes towards science as well as secure scientific understanding and skills. Science subject leaders, their colleagues, head teachers, children, parents and governors should be very proud.”

The PSQM scheme is is led by the University of Hertfordshire, School of Education in collaboration with the Primary Science Teaching Trust.