Staffroom Catch-up: Phill Monk, Southfield School for Girls in Kettering

We've been catching up with teachers at schools and colleges around the UK to find out how teaching with Eduqas is working for them and their learners. Phill Monk, Head of Geography at Southfield School for Girls in Kettering, Northamptonshire, leads a team of five teachers who collectively teach around 200 learners each year and has been teaching with Eduqas for 12 years. Here's his experience:​

What made you choose Eduqas as your exam board?

My priority was to ensure that the Geography qualifications align with the needs of both students and teachers, providing a rigorous yet accessible curriculum. Eduqas stood out for its clear and well-structured specifications, logical progression, and well-organised content.

Eduqas also offers high-quality resources, including sample papers, mark schemes, examiner reports, and teacher guidance materials. These resources support staff in planning effectively and preparing students for exams. The team is responsive and supportive.

The flexibility of the curriculum caters to a range of learning abilities, allowing students to develop their strengths. Choosing Eduqas ensures our students receive a robust and well-supported qualification that prepares them for further education and future careers.

How do your learners respond to the Eduqas specification?

Learners appreciate the clear, structured, and logically sequenced approach. The well-organised content ensures smooth learning progression, enhancing understanding and confidence.

We are transparent with students about the specification and mark schemes, helping them take ownership of their learning, develop exam techniques, and understand how to achieve success. This fosters independent learning and self-reflection.

The specification explores human, physical, and environmental geography, engaging students with diverse topics. They enjoy studying global challenges like climate change and urbanisation alongside physical landscapes and ecosystems. This diversity keeps learners motivated allowing them to see the relevance of geography in the real world.

What’s been the best thing for you about teaching with Eduqas so far?

The well-structured specification, high-quality resources, and strong support make teaching with Eduqas both enjoyable and effective.

How have you found the level of support provided by Eduqas?

The exceptional support from our local Eduqas representative and the wider team ensures smooth and effective delivery of the specification. Their responsiveness, expertise, and tailored guidance make a significant difference in planning and teaching. The team provides high-quality resources to help us prepare students thoroughly. CPD opportunities and networking events further support staff development, fostering confidence and best teaching practices.

What Eduqas resources have you found most useful in the classroom?

Eduqas resources are comprehensive and align with assessment criteria, ensuring clarity in teaching and learning. Key resources include detailed specification guidance for structured lesson planning, examiner reports and mark schemes for assessment insights, and sample assessment materials to familiarise students with question formats.

Revision guides and student workbooks, authored by Eduqas examiners, offer subject-specific guidance and exam preparation. Fieldwork resources support geographical investigations, with clear guidance on enquiry processes and data analysis, ensuring students are well-prepared for coursework and exams.

What would you say to other schools/colleges considering switching to Eduqas for your qualification?

Eduqas offers personalised support, making it a more collaborative experience than larger exam boards. Their team is accessible, responsive, and fosters strong professional relationships. This support makes teaching the specification smoother, more efficient, and rewarding, helping both teachers and students succeed.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to single out Ant Fleming, our Regional Representative, for exemplary support and guidance. He provides quick assistance and has even visited our school to deliver CPD for staff at both school and trust level.