Inequality of opportunity and the take-up of GCSE geography

Abstract

This article reports data from a larger study investigating the changing patterns of entry for GCSE geography over the last 20 years, but focuses on the period 2003–7. Entries for geography GCSE have fallen since 1996 but the patterns vary with attainment, type of school and geographical location. It is shown that government policy has both a direct and indirect influence on entries.

Keywords:

• equality
• GCSE entries
• opportunity

Notes

1. This is a term used in the Russell Group of universities publication Informed Choices, available online at: www.russellgroup.ac.uk.

2. French lost 47% of their entry between 2003 and 2010.

3. SR^form = (g^form/t) / (G^form/T) (where f = females; m = males; g = geography entry ^{(female or male)} in the decile; t = total geography entry in the decile; G = total geography ^{(female or male)} entry; T = total geography entry).