The Western Front Association announces the first recipient of its Quality Mark for Teaching and Learning about the First World War

We are delighted to announce that the first recipient of its newly introduced Quality Mark is The High School of Glasgow. The school has achieved this under the leadership of Chris Mackay, Principal Teacher of History.

The Western Front Association is a charity. Its objective is to educate the public in the history of the Great War, 1914-1918. Schools are important partners in achieving this objective and The Quality Mark has been introduced to recognise excellence in teaching and learning about the First World War. To be awarded the Quality Mark, schools undergo a rigorous audit of their curriculum, teaching and learning in history and across the curriculum and extracurricular activities such as battlefield tours or other First World War themed visits.

Eve Wilson, WFA Education Trustee, said:

“The High School of Glasgow should be very proud of this achievement under the leadership of Chris Mackay. The assessor was particularly impressed by the prominent part the First World War plays in the curriculum, the uptake of history as an option and the excellent results attained. She also commented on the commitment demonstrated by the opportunities for students to go on battlefield tours and to participate in Western Front competitions.”

Accreditation lasts for three years and brings with it a number of benefits:

• A certificate and plaque.
• The opportunity to use a special logo on stationery and publications
• An invitation to attend the WFA Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph once during the three years of accreditation.

The next window for assessment for the Quality Mark opens on 1 September. Details may be obtained from Eve Wilson.

The Western Front Association is currently holding two competitions for school students: 

1. The 2023 Autumn Competition for 12 to 14 year old students in the UK and Ireland exploring “ Sell, Sell, Sell. Advertising in  the First World War”. This closes on 3 November 2023 and information is at: https://bit.ly/3MC88Ee 
2. The 2023-2024 Malcolm Doolin Memorial Award for Local History Research. Details are at: https://bit.ly/3oGOuyU 

For further information contact

• Eve Wilson, Education Trustee for the WFA on education@westernfrontassociation.com
• Tom Thorpe, Press Officer for the WFA on press@westernfrontassociation.com or 07779 269 182