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Full review for A Level geography

14 Feb 2014

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) warmly welcomes the Department for Education’s announcement today that A Level geography will now undergo a full content review and that first teaching of the new A Level will be delayed until 2016.

  • 2014

The Society was deeply concerned by previous proposals for subject content in A Level geography which were highly repetitive of the new draft GCSE content.

Submitted in December 2013, the Society’s consultation response stated that the proposed content did not provide the necessary level of challenge for A Level and missed the opportunity to provide a better bridge into Higher Education.

In contrast, the Society has been very supportive of a number of changes proposed in A Level assessment including the introduction of 50% ‘core content’ to be covered by all awarding bodies, the requirement for fieldwork, and the requirement for 20% of a student’s marks to be gained through non-exam assessment.

The requirement for non-exam assessment provides an opportunity for the re-introduction of an ‘individual research project’, which the Society believes is fundamental preparation for Higher Education.

Speaking this afternoon, RGS-IBG Director Dr Rita Gardner said: “This announcement is very welcome and will help ensure that future A Levels are a definite progression from GCSE and provide good preparation for entry into an undergraduate course.”

“Geographers are well placed to investigate, understand and help provide solutions to many of the world’s most pressing environmental and social problems. The subject is increasingly popular with students at school and university level.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting geographical research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public engagement, and geography input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer’. More details from www.rgs.org

2. For further media enquires please contact individual schools directly, or the Society at press@rgs.org or 020 7519 3019

3. See the Society’s full responses to recent DfE and Ofqual consulations on the content and assement of geography A Level here: www.rgs.org/schoolspolicy

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