MALTON School has won a prestigious national award in recognition of its geography teaching and learning.

The school was one of only 52 from across the UK to be given the Secondary Geography Quality Mark (SGQM) by the Geographical Association (GA).

The Award recognises student achievement and progress and encourages schools to strive for the highest quality in their teaching.

Feedback from the judging panel focused on the improvement in results for geography and the high percentage of school leavers taking up related study in higher education.

Helen Wilson, Head of geography at Malton School, said: “We are thrilled to win this award. It shows the great progress that the geography department is making. Geography is a popular choice at GCSE and A level at Malton.

"This award shows the strengths within the school: the enthusiasm, creativity and willingness of students, and teachers alike, to embrace new ways of teaching and learning.

She added: "We also make very good use of our beautiful surroundings. In the last fortnight alone there have been two field trips with two different year groups to Flamborough Head, and into Malton”

Alan Kinder, Chief Executive of the Geographical Association, said: “There has never been a more important time for all children and young people to study geography.

"Geography not only fascinates and inspires young people, it provides them with the knowledge and understanding they need to live in the modern world.”

The Secondary Geography Quality Mark awardees will be acknowledged at the 2015 GA Annual Conference held at University of Manchester next April.