GEOGRAPHY IN THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM OF ENGLAND AND WALES - RISE AND FALL

The development of the 5-16 National Curriculum for England and Wales, 1987-95, is described with particular reference to the position of geography. An original formulation for geography was altered by an incoming Minister; general concerns about the curriculum led to a subsequent overall review led by Sir Ron Dearing. The benefits and disadvantages of the Revised National Curriculum are considered for geography; the Dearing revision which excludes geography from key Stage 4 (14-16) may have serious long-term consequences for the subject.