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Gold Historical Association Quality Mark

11th January 2023

We are delighted to announce that our History Department at Cambourne Village College has been awarded the Gold Historical Association Quality Mark. This is the highest level of the award that can be achieved.

The Historical Association Quality Mark is an award that recognises the excellence of history provision in a school. The Quality Mark provides a framework for success in which to develop outstanding provision. As part of the process an assessment procedure was delivered by an independent Historical Association appointed assessor. Dr Tim Lomas from the Historical Association visited the school, observed lessons, and talked with pupils and staff. The post assessment report congratulated the History department for its rigorous, innovative, and ambitious curriculum, including praise for the introduction of Ancient History GCSE and Entry Level courses. The report also celebrated the range of enrichment opportunities available to students including access to free academic talks, university visits, and trips abroad. Zaria, a Year 8 student who has taken part in extra-curricular events held by the History department, said that ‘I really like History because I love to learn about what really happened in the past. But it is also because the teachers are passionate and make it fun to learn’. Dr Lomas commented that: ‘Although this is a relatively new school and a department which is still evolving, the achievements in History have been remarkable.  What is transparent is the passion, the reflection, the quality of experiences and innovation.’

Miss Angell, Head of Department, said: ‘I am delighted that the efforts of our department have been recognised. We have seen the popularity of our subject grow over the years and we look forward to continuing to expand our current provision. Our team is absolutely dedicated to the principle that academic History should be everyone and work hard to embed these values in our teaching and planning. Our final assessor report highlights this, and we thank Dr Lomas and the Historical Association for the opportunity to take part in the Quality Mark process.’

Principal Claire Coates was thrilled that Cambourne received the award and praised the work of the History department, particularly highlighting their extra-curricular offer, which she described as ‘truly extraordinary’. She added: ‘It’s extra-curricular provision has undoubtedly helped to create an evident excitement and passion for learning about History in pupils across the age and ability range. This outward-looking approach embodies our Village College ethos and has an impact across the whole school, as all staff can see the positive effect of such activities on the pupils’ enjoyment and motivation in History.’

The Quality Mark is a rolling programme and schools register at any time. The school is then able to begin preparing as soon as they sign up. Normally schools will have one year from date of registration to complete the Mark.

Cambourne Village College will keep their Quality Mark for three years following the initial award before completing the process again.

Jessica Angell
Head of History

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