An introduction to the Geographical Association's Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM), an award which recognises excellence in secondary geography.

1. “ To inspire is not to amaze. To inspire is to awaken the spirit of amazement in children” . Okri, B (2002)

2. Changing circumstances? ‘ A 21st century curriculum should prepare young people to recognise their roles and responsibilities as members of this global society. They need to be able to understand the global context of their local lives, examine their own values and attitudes in relation to the challenges they face and see how they might play an active role in responding to these challenges’. Source QCA

9. How to plan, prepare and apply for the award 1. Subject leader and department complete self- evaluation to establish the level which best describes the quality of geography in school 2. Identify areas for development 3. Register with the GA and pay the appropriate fee 4. Provide a commentary for each section of the statement table 5. Select TWO pieces of evidence for each of the nine sections of the SGQM statement table 6. Submit evidence December/May

11. ‘ Personal and professional challenge combined at a time of great change in what and how we were teaching. …….. A thorough overhaul of our lessons was needed and SGQM came at just the right time to establish whether the department was on the right tracks.’ ‘ A valuable, reflective process of continuous improvement’ Comments from schools

12. “ The process of applying in itself helps you and your department to take a step back and look at what you are doing. It also gives you a personal satisfaction that you have been nationally recognised as a geography teacher / department.” “ The school has had good publicity too - an article was featured on us achieving the SGQM in the local press and this clearly is beneficial to the school. I also think it gives pupils and community partners confidence in what we are aiming to do and are actually achieving.” Comments from schools

14. SGQM – celebrating quality For more information or to register your interest contact Justin Woolliscroft at [email_address] , Julie Beattie at [email_address] , or visit http://www.geography.org.uk/11-19/secondaryqualitymark/