Trends in senior geography participation
Research from Shu Jun Lee, Lucy Robertson, Jeana Kriewaldt, Catherine Holmes
Geography teachers across Australia will be interested in recently published research that tracks Australian students’ participation in senior secondary geography, and the implications this has for our subject and discipline.
Recent analysis reveals a concerning shift in our classrooms: Geography participation among Year 12 students has dropped nationally, falling from an 8.1% average (1998–2017) to just 6.2% in recent years (2012–2023).
The research highlights significant regional variations across the country, with participation rates fluctuating widely between different states and territories. Additionally, the data identifies a growing divide in engagement across school sectors and notable differences in gender balance depending on the jurisdiction.
This study underscores a critical turning point for the subject. To ensure geography remains a vital part of the Australian curriculum, we must act now with targeted interventions to reverse these trends and champion the subject’s relevance for the next generation.
This research has been made available through open access, and you can access the research at the DOI link below.
Lee, S. J., Robertson, L., Kriewaldt, J., & Holmes, C. (2026). Tracking Australian students’ participation in senior secondary geography: Trends and implications for geography’s future. Geographical Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-5871.70064