The Geography department at Bury C E High School underwent an Ofsted inspection on February 4th and 5th and was officially judged "outstanding". This came as no surprise to anyone in the school, especially in view of its role as the leading subject in our Humanities College status. The inspector scrutinised the department over two full days - the same length of time normally given to a whole-school inspection - and told the Head to expect the department to earn mention in the national report on Geography for its exemplary and innovative practice. In addition to observing lessons by all the Geography teachers in school, the inspector also talked to a number of pupils about their opinions of the subject, and he examined a range of exercise books and department documents. He found the department outstanding in all respects.

The judgement is a tremendous tribute to the work of Head of Department, Sally Sumner, and her staff, and the school will use the experience gained to help all departments to prepare themselves for the next whole-school inspection expected some time in 2009-10.