Geography is left off ‘thesis’ map

20th October 2006, 1:00am
With regard to your article, “Sixth form ‘thesis’ set for lift-off” (TES, October 6), many will welcome news that students at Farnborough sixth-form college can research a subject with guidance from their teacher and supervisor, then write up their experiences in a dissertation.

It is also reassuring that the research will embrace art and science projects. For many geographers, who have lobbied to keep in-depth research that offers the chance for fieldwork, there is a deep irony here. The potential for a similar model in geography ASA2 appears limited, if not impossible, given the recent pronouncements from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.

Anthony Thomas Chief executive Field Studies Council Shrewsbury