Geography

Provision in geography is good.

Main strengths and weaknesses

• Well-structured lessons ensure that pupils’ earning is purposeful and focused so they achieve well.

• Pupils have very mature attitudes to earning and respond well to the knowledgeable and enthusiastic teaching they receive.

• Good teaching is carefully matched to GCSE examination requirements.

• There are insufficient opportunities for pupils in Years 7 to 9 to develop their enquiry skills through fieldwork.

• Teacher assessments of pupils work in Year 9 were over generous but new systems are now being put in place to ensure they are accurate.

Commentary

80. GCSE examination results in 2004 were average. Although pupils achieved less well in geography than in some other subjects they took these results represent satisfactory achievement for the pupils concerned compared to their attainment at the end of Year 9. Teacher assessments at the end of Year 9 were well above average. However, because National Curriculum criteria were not always applied accurately these assessments were slightly over-generous. Pupils’ achievement was good compared to their average starting point when they entered the school.

81, In work seen standards are above expectations at the end of Year 9 and Year 11 and pupils achievement is good. All pupils use geographical terminology confidently and accurately and higher attaining pupils understand complex geographical concepts well,

82. All pupils achieve well because teaching and learning are good. Teachers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their subject and communicate this successfully to their pupils. They plan and structure their lessons well so no learning time is wasted. Pupils are very keen to learn, concentrate well and respond very positively to the good teaching they receive. Teachers give constructive individual support to pupils with special educational needs so they achieve well. Teachers are widening the range of teaching methods and resources they use and are making good use of ICT to engage pupils’ interest. Teaching is carefully tailored to GCSE syllabus requirements so pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in examinations. Pupils produce high quality coursework following their trip to Epping Forest in Year 10 but there is insufficient opportunity for pupils in Years 7 to 9 to apply their skills in a real environment through fieldwork visits.

83. The leadership and management of the department are good and appropriate priorities have been identified for development. Tests and assessments are being reviewed and refined so that pupils’ achievement in Years 7 to 9 can be judged more accurately. Teaching and learning are monitored effectively. The department works well collaboratively and shares good practice in order to raise pupils’ attainment. Improvement since the previous inspection is good as standards continue to rise. The department has both the capacity and the commitment to improve further.