Geographical Education in Northern Ireland: past, present and... future?

Abstract

In Northern Ireland geography is taught in primary and post-primary education, where it is a compulsory subject to age 14. Thereafter, students decide if they wish to continue to GCSE (age 16) and to A-level by age 18. Mirroring geography in the school sector, geographical education also features within initial teacher education programmes in Northern Ireland. However, the configuration of the subject, its place within the local educational landscape and its popularity with students has changed in significant and profound ways. This paper reflects on recent trends and considers the implications for geography and geographical education in the years ahead.