The Primary Geography Quality Mark 2008

PGQM Key principles identify and celebrate good geography provide a framework for subject leaders/coordinators to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the geography curriculum improve for all pupils the quality of the educational experience through geography Limpsfield Infant School Silver

raise the profile of geography within the primary curriculum …and in particular its contribution to citizenship, sustainable development, global dimensions, cultural and social inclusion, using and understanding technology, and in imparting a wide range of skills. Perton First School Audley Primary - Bronze William Shrewsbury Primary School

The PGQM is underpinned by: a school self evaluation check-list based on: The characteristics of geography in your school How well pupils enjoy & achieve The quality of provision Subject Leadership and Management These criteria are directly linked to the Ofsted Self Evaluation Form (SEF) The submission of an application form (based on the self-evaluation criteria) provides the evidence for the award of the PGQM

2 ways to become involved use the `toolkit’ to help you identify aspects of geography that require further work, create an action plan and develop these action points independently of the award process apply to be a fully accredited school and register to be assessed for the award of the Primary Geography Quality Mark See Geography Journey download on the PGQM web-page

Going for the award The Primary Geography Quality Mark is an award for primary schools who wish to achieve recognition for the quality and progress in geography leadership, curriculum development, learning and teaching in their school.

Completing the application the AUDIENCE for the application is the school moderator (someone who is passionate about primary geography) and the PURPOSE is:

… to celebrate the characteristics of geography in your school Section 1: The characteristics of geography in your school (SEF 1 and 2) In this section you will communicate what the learning environment looks like and what you are trying to provide for children through your geography curriculum. You will need to communicate the excitement and richness of the geography that your children experience. William Shrewsbury School Gold

… and how effectively children learn geography (enjoy & achieve) Section 2: Pupils Enjoy and Achieve (SEF 3 and 4) In this section you will communicate how pupils feel about learning geography and whether their learning demonstrates geographical thinking at a level appropriate to their age and ability. Leighton Primary Gold

… to ensure that you and your moderator understand how teaching impacts on learning: Section 3: The Quality of Provision (SEF 5) In this section you will communicate how teaching is supporting children’s engagement with distinctly geographical experiences, how your geography curriculum is meeting the needs of different learners and how geography is used as a resource within creative and cross-curricular learning contexts Leighton & Joy Lane Primary - Gold

… to communicate effectively how geography is managed & led Section 4: Subject Leadership and Management (SEF 6) In this section you will communicate how effectively you are developing the subject and how you are setting a clear direction for geography in your school, influencing your colleagues and the school’s culture and reaching out beyond your school

Further information can be found on the Primary Geography Quality Mark website: http://www.geography.org.uk/eyprimary/primaryqualitymark/ The PGQM is a key strategy for raising the quality of geographical education within the Action Plan for Geography http://www.geographyteachingtoday.org.uk/