Bedford's top-achieving Wootton Upper School is celebrating another feather in its cap- a prestigious Quality Mark for geography education.

The school, based in Hall End Road, Wootton, is one of only nine in the UK to receive the coveted Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) in recognition of "excellence in teaching and learning in geography" in the 2018 awards scheme.

The award, presented by The Geographical Association, follows a rigorous assessment process in which the National Moderation Team examined how well the school embraced new and innovative approaches to teaching, pupil attainment and achievement levels, student understanding and knowledge of geography and the quality of teaching available.

The accolade cements Wootton Upper School's reputation as a high-achieving school offering the highest standards of teaching and pupil support.

Michael Gleeson, Executive Principal, said: "We are delighted to have received this prestigious award, one of only nine schools in the country to have been awarded the Centre of Excellence Award in 2018.

"We are very grateful to Suzy Pykett, who as Wootton Academy Trust's Head of Geography in 2017-2018, led Geography when the school was assessed for the award. Suzy was supported by a hardworking and dedicated team including Dawn Bolan, Hayley Bavington and James Logan and I cannot thank them enough for their energy and commitment in making it happen.

"The Geography Department at Wootton Academy Trust has a long standing reputation for being outstanding; this excellence award confirms the quality of Geography teaching and pupil experiences in the subject at Wootton Academy Trust."

The SGQM awards scheme promotes effective subject leadership and management and helps subject leaders to raise the standards of geography in their school. 

Nine schools have been awarded ‘Centre of Excellence' status in 2018 which together will further the GA's work to encourage good practice across the field and develop a local network of teachers.

Since the scheme launched in 2006, 500 SGQMs have been awarded across the country.

Alan Kinder, GA Chief Executive, said: "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."

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Sallie Blair
Better Times
Telephone 01283 821012
Mobile 07702 541401
Emailsal@bettertimes.co.uk