In the Autumn of this year, the Geography Department were awarded the Secondary Geography Quality Mark from the Geographical Association. This prestigious award recognises outstanding practice across the department. This ranges from the grades achieved by students over many years at both KS4 and 5 as well as the overall experience that students receive in the Geography department.
We are very proud that over the years every Woodroffe student has visited an upland area (and sat on a tor), taken a walk in their local area, visited the Lyme Museum and had a picnic on the beach! Students have also made films about the local coastline, participated in inter-school quizzes, and have supported the running of the Sidmouth Science festival.
However, what this award really shows is what the department already knows. We are fortunate to have a group of very keen Geographers who enjoy sharing their enthusiasm of the world around us to the students.
A big well done to the department!
Justin Loveland, Head of Geography and Humanities
Below is the official feedback from the Geographical Association:
Thank you for your submission which was both clearly presented and detailed. The department obviously has a focus on the teaching and learning experiences of the pupils in the school in order to improve their progress and enjoyment of the subject. This evidenced by the good results at GCSE and GCE as well as the large numbers taking geography as a subject. It was interesting to reads that the SGQM process had enabled the department to evaluate their position and plan for the future.
Students at Woodroffe demonstrate a good knowledge of geography which they have obtained through a range of teaching and learning experiences. Fieldwork is clearly embedded in the curriculum with interesting opportunities in each year. A range of resources from 3d modelling to plastic posters have been utilised. The film production of landslips in Lyme Regis by the AS/A level students was particularly noteworthy. Students have also had the opportunity to take part in the GA WorldWise Quiz in west Dorset as well as a geology festival in Sidmouth. This has linked geography in the classroom effectively to the wider community.
Good usage is made of enquiry to encourage questioning and students respond well to advice given to improve progress. The students’ understanding of their progress is backed up by the pupil views used as part of the departmental evaluation process. This leads to a department which is responsive and committed to improvement.
We are pleased to confirm the award of Secondary Geography Quality Mark. We hope that the framework will continue to be used to support the further development of geography at Woodroffe, and we look forward to seeing how you work with other schools to disseminate your good work.