First of all Controlled Assessment and now this ........ seem to recall Dr Standish from the old forum ........ wasn't there quiet a debate that he was involved in on the messageboard around 8 years ago or so? Quickly scanned the 17 pages and it seems rather heavy at first view.
An interesting link between Private schools and IGCSE although many state schools are changing to IGCSE simply to to get away from Controlled Assessment I believe. There is the constant rumour that IGCSE is more rigourous, get hold of copies of the past papers and see for yourself.
http://www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/academic/middlesec/igcse/subject?assdef_id=859 If you want a rigourous curriculum look at some of the Geography textbooks provided by the Kenyan Government - they make your eyes water
You cannot argue about the need for more geography at primary school level though.
Don't know much about Alex Standish so Googled
Alex Standish Western Conneticut State University - here is what his Bio states:
Alex Standish, Assistant Professor of Geography, holds a Ph.D. in Geographic Education and Citizenship in American Schools from Rutgers University. His master's dissertation at Canterbury Christ Church University College considered the changing nature of geography education in England. His other research interests include the globalization of culture, political geography and the contemporary dynamics of communities in Western countries.
