Studley High School’s History department received some fantastic news last week, when they were informed they had been awarded a Historical Association Quality Mark.
The Historical Association is incorporated by Royal Charter and its rolling Quality Mark programme recognises the excellence of history provision in schools. At present, Studley hold the status as one of only 23 schools in the United Kingdom.
The Historical Association Quality Mark provides a framework for success in which to develop outstanding provision. There is a quality assured framework for a school working to achieve the Quality Mark to follow, with a clear assessment procedure delivered by independent Historical Association appointed assessors.The QM overall assesses and values the history provision of the teacher, their department and the school, and the offer to young people.
This award is even more special as we are the very first of the schools generously funded by the Royal Historical Society (RHS) to undergo the Quality Mark process. Studley applied for the grant funding in June 2018 and become the first grant funded RHS school to complete the process.
An independent assessor who visited Studley High School, said that history lessons ‘‘…were characterised by clear planning, focused learning, a good range of resources used to support pupils of all abilities, excellent behaviour and very good relationships between staff and pupils.” The report concluded: “The department has significantly improved provision of history over the past few years”.
Mr Hobbis, Head of History at Studley High School, is delighted with the Silver award – the second highest level issued by the Historical Association. Mr Hobbis commented, “The history department is very pleased to have attained the Quality Mark from the Historical Association. This accreditation focuses on standards in teaching and learning, the curriculum, pupil achievement and enrichment. Our vision as a department is now to further develop best practice, continue our hard work and push for the Gold award in the future.”
Rebecca Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer at the Historical Association, said: “I would like to congratulate Studley High School on achieving the Silver History Quality Mark”.The assessor very much enjoyed visiting the school and agreed that the evidence provided matches the criteria for the silver award. “We support the teaching, learning and enjoyment of history at all levels and bring together people who share an interest in and love for the past. We passionately believe that the study of history should be accessible to all people at all levels of study.”
Mr Eost, Head of School commented, “This is a fantastic achievement for our History department and reflects the hard work and passion that they all put in to teaching their subject.”
