Gove’s new secondary curriculum - main features of the KS3 Geography proposals

I have summarised some of the main features of the new curriculum announced last weekalongside a couple of questions and queries.

· The programme of study indicates that as pupils
progress through the key stages they should learn more places, areas and
landforms. Their geography pool of knowledge should be consolidated and built
on through each school stage.

· An understanding should be shown of how the formation
of the earth has had a direct impact on the landscapes of different continents.

· Much more focus will be on retaining facts including
key areas of the UK and the world. Specific attention is placed on knowing
details about Africa, Middle East, Russia and South East Asia – namely China
and India. This is to do with preparing pupils for a world of emerging
economies and a shifting the balance of power.

· Pupils should study specific areas in Africa and Asia
using a mix of Human and Physical geography.

· A large emphasis on map skills is required through the
key stages. By KS3 pupils should also have experience of Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) and be able to use them to help analyse data.

· Pupils should not only communicate their knowledge
through maps, but also by writing ‘at length’ about topics and themes. There
will have to be more of a focus on extended writing, essay skills and other
literacy tools in the secondary classroom.

· A Key area of concern will be how the balance between
learning facts of regions, places and processes will work alongside learning
new skills.