AN ANDOVER secondary school has been recognised for excellence in teaching and learning by the History Association.

Harrow Way Community School has been presented with the organisation's much coveted Gold Quality Mark (QM).

The award follows a rigorous assessment process, during which the school compiled a portfolio of documentation as evidence against the criteria. This process was completed over the course of the academic year and evidence was required to demonstrate a number of things including how resources are used in lessons, how students are provided with feedback and how the team is managed on a day to day basis. The process cumulated in a visit from the History Association in order to evidence their high quality History provision in action.

This prestigious award is held by very few secondary schools across the country.

In their report to the school the History Association assessor said: "Observations of lessons during the visit showed that teaching was consistently outstanding and there were high levels of student motivation in lessons. Teachers across the classes were observed using a wide range of strategies to enable students to build their knowledge and understanding of the topics they were studying.

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"The provision of History at Harrow Way Community School is strong and forward-thinking. The department works tirelessly to bring History alive for its students, whilst also maintaining high expectations for academic achievement. Staff are involved in CPD beyond the school and support other schools and educationalists nationally. The students are proud of History at Harrow Way, and this is most evident in their motivation and positivity in classes."

Reacting to the news, Christina Brown, curriculum leader for History said: “We’re very proud that our high standards in teaching and student success in History have been recognised by a leading organisation such as the History Association. We’re particularly pleased to have received the Gold QM which is the highest level of award that can be achieved.

“The QM provides a framework for success in which we can continue to develop an outstanding provision of history for the school. History is already a very popular GCSE subject among students and we’re looking forward to delivering continued student outcomes and success.”

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The History Association describes itself as the voice for history bringing together people who share an interest in, and love for the past, and to further the study and teaching and enjoyment of history in all forms.

Harrow Way will keep its Quality Mark for three years following the initial award. Schools with a Gold QM will need to complete the process again after three years to keep their QM status.

For more information about Harrow Way, visit: www.harrowway.hants.sch.uk.

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