QE’s Geography department has received a prestigious award in recognition of the excellence of teaching and learning in the subject at the School.
The Geographical Association announced that QE is among a select group of schools from across the country to receive the Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) for 2018–21.
QE previously won the award in 2015 and had recently submitted detailed evidence in the hope of having it renewed. In response, the association’s Moderator Justin Woolliscroft and the National Moderation Team gave QE’s Geography team a glowing report: “Your students are very fortunate to have access to a rich and varied curriculum allied with such a committed teaching team. It is clear that you are very proactive in a wide range of areas spreading good practice through your activities.
“Geography provision is clearly extremely strong and we are delighted to confirm the SGQM award for a further three years.”
The award recognises quality and progress in Geography leadership, curriculum development and learning and teaching in schools.
QE’s Head of Geography Emily Parry said: “The department are proud to have received this award in recognition of the high-quality geographical education delivered here. We strive to provide an engaging and topical curriculum.”
Rebecca Kitchen, GA Curriculum Manager, said: “The SGQM enables schools to focus critically on what they are doing and why, in order to provide their young people with the knowledge and understanding they need to live in the modern world.”
The moderators’ report singled out a number of areas for special praise: “The need for refreshed and revised curricula for both KS4 [Key Stage 4] and KS5 have understandably been an important focus for the department, and it is good to read that these have been accepted very positively by the students and that the new schemes are now influencing what is offered at Key Stage 3. We like the challenge offered through the extended homework essays which clearly support the students in becoming more independent, so helping them with the demands placed upon them at GCSE and beyond.”
The report also lauded the department’s:
- “Continuing collaborative work” with the University of Hertfordshire and the Prince’s Teaching Institute
- “Important role” in hosting the World Wise quiz for local schools – an annual Geography competition
- Fieldwork, which “remains a strength, with numerous exciting opportunities offered to your students”.