Written question asked by Graham Stuart (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 March 2012. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 March 2012 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Geography: GCSE

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for what reason changes to the geography GCSE are being implemented in September 2012, when updates to GCSEs in history and English literature will not be implemented until September 2013.

Answer: This is a matter for the statutory regulator of qualifications (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, Ofqual). Glenys Stacey, the chief executive of Ofqual has written to my hon. Friend, and a copy of the letter has been placed in the House Libraries.Letter from Glenys Stacey, dated 8 March 2011:"I am writing regarding your parliamentary question about the changes to GCSE subjects (Geography, History and English literature) being implemented at different stages during the next two academic years.""As you will be aware, redeveloping qualifications to a high standard takes time. So we are dealing with this in stages—asking awarding organisations to focus on Geography first of all as this is the subject that initially caused us concern. They will then be asked to focus on the new qualifications in History and English literature with an implementation date of September 2013.""If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch."

Secondary information