The geography department at St Ivo school has scooped not one, not two but three national awards.

Staff have been taking part in a number of schemes that recognise high standards of teaching and its impact on pupils’ success in the subject.

This summer, with the help of a new revision programme, 90 per cent of GCSE exam takers received an A*-C grade, a record for the school.

Other initiatives included an eco-day bringing together primary and secondary schools and other organisations.

The innovations helped the department receive a Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark for 2013/14.

St Ivo was also one of just 10 schools in the country to be awarded ‘centre of excellence’ status by the Geographical Association (GA).

And it was one of only 52 schools nationwide to receive a GA Secondary Geography Quality Mark, which included an assessment of how staff teach the subject as well as students’ achievements and level of geographical knowledge and understanding.

Jenny Mottram, St Ivo’s head of geography, said: “We are delighted to have gained these awards for our department’s innovative work, and we are very proud as they are evidence of our commitment to inspirational and outstanding teaching.”