Geography Department secures Quality Mark for Excellence

The Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) is a prestigious award that recognises quality and progress in geography leadership, curriculum development and learning and teaching in schools. All awarded schools undergo a rigorous moderation process, and the National Moderation Team were hugely impressed by the manner in which schools are continuing to embrace new and innovative approaches to teaching geography.

I am incredibly proud of this achievement for the Geography Department and what it means for our school. Such an achievement would not have been possible without the commitment and motivation shown within Geography by our teachers; Mr Turnbull and Mr Turner and our amazing young people. The quality mark recognises the amazing work done by our staff and the quality of the Geography curriculum our young people experience. I am delighted with the increasing popularity and achievements of the subject and we only intend to achieve more.
Mr Tomlinson (Head of Geography)

The SGQM recognises student attainment, progress and achievement in geographical knowledge, understanding, values and skills, and sets expectations about the quality of teaching in geography. It promotes effective subject leadership and management, helping subject leaders raise the standard of geography in their schools.

Each school that has achieved the Secondary Geography Quality Award is actively working to raise the standards of geography teaching and learning for their students. Further information about the award can be accessed on the Geographical Association website.

There has never been a more important time for all children and young people to study geography. Growing up in the 21st century means living in an increasingly interconnected world, one facing a growing number of global challenges such as climate change and the need to live our lives sustainably. Geography not only fascinates and inspires young people, it provides them with the knowledge and understanding they need to live in the modern world. Geography is, as we say in the GA’s Manifesto, ‘fundamental to everyone’ and I am delighted that a growing number of secondary schools are teaching their students to fully engage with the subject.
Alan Kinder (Geographical Association Chief Executive)