It didn't take long for OFQUAL to reach their conclusions on changes to the 2021 examinations following the recent consultation... which did not result in the outcome which was hoped for from my perspective, and that of both the GA and the RGS in their submissions to OFQUAL.
It also resulted in further changes to 'A' level Geography as well.
You can read the whole document here (download as PDF)
The main outcome relating to geography refers to fieldwork: a fundamental part of geography.
Ofqual will remove the requirement for schools to declare that their GCSE, AS and A-level geography students have completed a set number of days of fieldwork. The exemption was initially only proposed for GCSE geography, but now will apply to the subject at all levels.
However, A-level geography pupils will still have to complete a non-exam assessment, but exam boards will be expected to be “flexible in their requirements for the use of primary data and, at all levels, to emphasise to centres that they should complete as much fieldwork as possible, including by remote or virtual means.
The changes are not consistent between geography and history.
It also resulted in further changes to 'A' level Geography as well.
You can read the whole document here (download as PDF)
The main outcome relating to geography refers to fieldwork: a fundamental part of geography.
Ofqual will remove the requirement for schools to declare that their GCSE, AS and A-level geography students have completed a set number of days of fieldwork. The exemption was initially only proposed for GCSE geography, but now will apply to the subject at all levels.
However, A-level geography pupils will still have to complete a non-exam assessment, but exam boards will be expected to be “flexible in their requirements for the use of primary data and, at all levels, to emphasise to centres that they should complete as much fieldwork as possible, including by remote or virtual means.
The changes are not consistent between geography and history.
The report says:
"The
subject associations opposed the change because fieldwork is so important to the
study of geography."
But OFQUAL removed it anyway...
It remains to be seen of course whether the exams will actually happen at all...
There is much to be done, and we will continue to do what we can to ensure that all geographers are able to access some fundamental part of geographical study, which a great many GA Presidents have been involved with over the decades, particular Geoffrey Hutchings and others.
The Field Studies Council has written to the Prime Minister as it is facing serious issues if overnight stays are not allowed.
The Field Studies Council has written to the Prime Minister as it is facing serious issues if overnight stays are not allowed.
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