The science tradition in physical geography: 2016 A level specifications and ‘powerful geography’

Abstract

In this article an overview is made of the subject content of A level 2016 specifications of physical geography by contextualising physical geography and by examining the concept of ‘powerful geographical knowledge’. A review of several current (2016) examination board A level specifications of physical geography is presented; all have optional components, especially for ‘landforms’. These ‘options’ restrict coverage in certain topics compared with what has traditionally been thought of as physical geography. The option structure is reflected in the content of two current texts examined with respect to physical geography and geomorphology in Monkhouse’s textbook of the 1970–80s. In the exam boards’ 2016 specifications of physical geography, treatment of ‘systems’, especially climate/meteorology and oceanic systems, is incomplete. Climate change is poorly discussed in terms of physical principles as are flooding and changes in frequency of events. As the article demonstrates, although physical geography can be presented as a ‘science’ subject, the errors and misinformation in some current textbooks supporting exam boards’ specifications needs to be addressed. The article suggests that physical geography needs a separate and more scientifically- based A level, perhaps based on ‘Critical Zone’ science.

Notes

1. The 2016 revision of the A level geography curriculum stemmed from concerns about the focus of content and philosophical approach to teaching physical geography in both 2008 and 2013. These discussions resulted in the ALCAB (A Level Content Advisory Board) Report on Geography (published in July 2014) and the Geography GCSE AS and A level Subject Content published by the Department for Education (DfE) in December 2014 for implementation in schools/colleges from September 2016

Additional information

Notes on contributors

W. Brian Whalley

Professor W. Brian Whalley is a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Geography at the University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK (email: [email protected]). Twitter: ©brianwhalley