396 KEPORT— 1897. 



Geography, the Physical, Political, Historical, and Commercial Geography 

 of some Continent. 



All are agreed that the subject is at present too wide and vague, and 

 many express the wish that a syllabus or text-book should be issued by 

 authority for the guidance of teachers and examiners alike. 



The suggestion that the Geography of some particular Continent should 

 be set for each examination finds many supporters, but the weight of 

 opinion is in favour of requiring a general knowledge of the Geography of 

 the earth, as well as a special study of some selected area, such as a 

 Continent, India, or the British Colonies, the subject to vary from time 

 to time. 



It is also suggested that a larger choice of questions should be given, 

 of which the candidate should be allowed to attempt only a certain 

 number. 



(iv.) That in Competitive Examinations Geography ought either to be 

 comjjulsory or to receive a sufficient number of marks to make it ^ pay.' 



As regards the Army Examinations, it is generally felt that Geography 

 ought to be a compulsory subject, and many think that the marks at 

 present assigned to it are insufficient. Some regret the abolition of the 

 Army Preliminary Examination j but a few declare themselves to be well 

 satisfied with the present arrangement. 



As to other Examinations, opinion is divided ; and while many would 

 be glad to see more weight given to Geography, they point out that this 

 could only be done by sacrificing some other subject, and they deprecate 

 any action that would tend to increase the existing strain and pressure. 



XXIIa. — Memorandum of Reforms in Examinations in Geography 

 Advocated by the Committee of the Geographical Associa- 

 tion. 



1. That the main principles of Physical Geography should form the 

 basis of Geographical teaching at all stages, and should be fully recognised 

 in all Examinations in Geography. 



2. That a general knowledge of Geography, based on Physical Prin- 

 ciples, should be required, together with a special study of some selected 

 region, e.g. India, a group of British Colonies, South America, Central 

 Europe. 



3. That it is desirable that all Public Examining Bodies, such as the 

 Civil Service Commissioners, the Universities (in their Local and Certi- 

 ficate Examinations, and London Matriculation), and the College of Pre- 

 ceptors, should recommend a course of instruction in accordance with the 

 ideas suggested above. This would stimulate Geographical teaching in 

 Schools, ensure that Geography should be systematically taught through- 

 out the School, and do away with the need for separate classes to prepare 

 candidates specially for the various Public Examinations in Geography. 



4. That in the Examinations above referred to. Geography and History 

 should be dealt with in separate papers, and that the maximum of marks 

 should be approximately the same for each. 



XXIII. — Geography in the Entrance or Matriculation Examinations 

 OP English Universities or University Examination Boards. 



Cambridge. 

 No examination. 



