Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School in Ramsgate is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious Quality Mark from the Geographical Association for their teaching of secondary geography.
The Quality Mark award is the result of 12 months of professional reflection, adaptation, implementation, and review by the geography department to meet 22 rigorous indicators set out by the GA. The award is in recognition of the department’s ability to provide high quality teaching and learning, helping all students to apply their geographical knowledge and skills effectively and to achieve well.
The department’s high expectations have resulted in students being equipped with knowledge and skills for success in their next stage of education, training, or employment and for their adult life.
Marie Stoner, who led the department to gaining the award said: “Engaging in the Quality Mark process was extremely insightful into the elements of our teaching at CCGS.
“We were able to review our current teaching and learning, celebrate areas of outstanding practice, and improve upon areas that required adaptation. With the use of student voice, we were able to make successful changes and we know that our curriculum is highly engaging as a result.
“Our use of the outside environment continues to be outstanding, and we have been able to add further opportunities for fieldwork that continue to secure the high-quality geographical learning that takes place at CCGS.”
Alison March, Head of Geography, added: “The feedback from the Geographical Association reinforced the hard work that our team put into the award and stated that the evidence supplied promotes appropriate discussion about the subject matter, stimulates curiosity and makes learning memorable.
“It also highlighted the specialist and up-to-date subject knowledge of our staff, which they use to plan and teach effective lessons with focus on geographical learning. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the geography department for their outstanding contributions to this award, and Marie Stoner for leading the application.”
The Quality Mark celebrates and rewards geographical teaching and learning. CCGS is currently the only school in Kent to hold the award.
The school is holding Year 6 open evenings on October 18th and 20th, from 5.30pm-7.30pm, with a Sixth Form open evening on November 24.