Geographical Association

You can start working towards a Primary Geography Quality Mark at any time, in fact a significant part of the process takes place before you register. This timeline gives an overview of the PGQM from start to finish including ideas of what you could be doing when.

If you wish to apply for the Quality Mark you must register by 31 October, but this is by no means the start of your PGQM journey. There are various things you should do to in advance of registering:

• Check on your school's membership status - your school must be a member of the GA to register for the award. You can join online or by calling GA HQ on 0114 296 0088.
• Once you have your GA membership in place, browse Primary Geographer to gain ideas and find out what teachers are focusing on at the moment.
• Read through the information on the PGQM front page to find out more about the award. The PowerPoint presentations at the top of the page provide a very useful introduction to the PGQM.
• Join the Geographical Association Ning - a free networking website for teachers. Then join the PGQM group and contribute to discussions.
• Make contact with a Primary Geography Champion, many have been involved with the PGQM and are a useful source of support. Join the Champions Ning to find your local Champ and engage with other teachers in your area.
• If you are a GA member you can request access to the password protected VLE to see examples of previous schools' applications and additional guidance for participating schools. Contact Julie Beattie (0114 296 0088) to set up an account.
• Think about attending one of the GA's Quality Geography for All conferences taking place in London (2 March 2010) and Sheffield (9 March 2010). These will focus on the Quality Marks and will include workshops led by teachers who have already achieved the award.
• Ask your head if you can pay for a Consultant to advise you prior to registration. You should expect to pay them around £150 (+ travel) for a half day but will need to negotiate this directly. Contact Julie Beattie for a list of available consultants.

The basic PGQM paperwork is available here, however we recommend that you sign up for the PGQM VLE in order to gain access to the full set of documentation. Contact Julie Beattie for your free username and password (GA members only).

Introduction (PDF, 126k) - This document summarises the award process and answers some of your frequently asked questions. 

Timeline (PDF, 58k) - The timeline gives an overview of the PGQM from start to finish including ideas of what you could be doing when.

Your journey towards the Primary Geography Quality Mark (Jpeg, 248k) - A visual guide demonstrating the typical PGQM timescales.

Headteacher Letter (PDF, 206k) - Use this letter to initiate a conversation with your headteacher about the benefits of the award to your whole school.

Once you've read up on the Primary Quality Mark, gained approval from your headteacher and made sure your school's GA membership is up to date, it's time to start thinking about geography in your school.

Audit Checklist (PDF, 61k) - this document will enable you to make a start on auditing your existing curriculum and help you decide how geography is developing in your school.

The Audit Checklist should be used in conjunction with the Self-Evaluation Framework which is available to GA members on the password-protected VLE. Additional documentation available on the VLE includes Bronze, Silver and Gold Action Plans, Application Guidance, Application Forms and Exemplar Applications. Contact Julie Beattie to set up a free account.

Once you've engaged with all the documentation, carried out an audit, prepared your action plan and decided which level of the award to go for, you're ready to register!

Registration Form (Word, 38k) - Complete and return this form togther with the appropriate registration fee to Julie Beattie at the Geographical Association (full address on form). You must register for Round 9 by 31 October 2010.

Small schools up to 250 pupils - £175
Medium schools 250-400 pupils - £225
Large schools more than 400 pupils - £275

Don't forget - your school must be a GA member to register for the PGQM.

Round 9 is now open for registration until the end of October 2010. Award applications must be made by the end of May 2011.

Round 8 schools who registered by the end of October 2009 must submit their applications by the end of May 2010. Please log on to the PGQM VLE for further guidance, audit documents and application forms.

Round 7 schools who registered by the end of March 2009 must submit their applications by 5 January 2010. Please log onto the PGQM VLE for further guidance, audit documents and application forms.

The Primary Geography Quality Mark lasts for three years. If you have already achieved the PGQM and wish to attain continued status of the award it is recommended that you adhere to the timeframes below:

Round 3 & 4 - Re-register by the end of October 2010 for Round 9, submit your evidence by May 2011 and you will be notified of your award by February 2012. Re-registration deadline reminders will be sent to all previous award winners.

If you need professional advice please contact Wendy North. For all other enquiries concerning the PGQM contact Julie Beattie at GA Headquarters.