Royal Hospital School (RHS) in Holbrook is celebrating after being awarded for the second time with both the Centre of Excellence Award for Fieldwork and The Secondary Quality Mark 2022-25, by the Geographical Association. 

The Geographical Association Publishers' Awards recognise resources that make a significant contribution to geography in primary schools, secondary schools or colleges, and encourage professional development.

The Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) gathers evidence over a year and includes a rigorous process of professional reflection which can then cumulate in receiving the prestigious award, celebrating geographical learning.

The award has a life of three years, with the first award being given to RHS back in 2019. 

The Geographical Association praising RHS for their credentials, and said: "The development plan and SWOT analysis show that the department is responsive; we particularly enjoyed the 'hitting the top marks' display with its innovative use of QR codes.

"We were also pleased to see how resources/activities have been updated to ensure that curriculum content is current and engaging; such as exploring the Beijing Winter Olympics and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.  

"Despite COVID restrictions and impacts, fieldwork remains a vital part of the geography curriculum and effective use has been made of technology to be able to undertake virtual fieldwork as part of this.

"Further to this, wider experiences are offered within the school, such as a workshop led by Alton Water and the 'More plastic than fish' open morning. Pupils' feedback is used constructively to support student-teacher relations and create a positive ethos within the school.  

"We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the breadth of resources you use to support the delivery of high-quality geography and look forward to seeing this evolve further in future submissions." 

 Harriet Izod Millar, RHS head of geography said: "To be re-awarded by the Geographical Association in two categories is a huge honour.

"We are delighted that the continuous efforts of the Geography Team to provide a stimulating and modern curriculum has been recognised. We particularly enjoy embracing new approaches and topical themes into our curriculum to make it more inspiring and relevant for our young geographers.

"We are delighted to see many of our students go on to study Geography not only at A Level but also at university and beyond."

RHS at Holbrook includes a number of day boarders from various villages on the Shotley peninsula.