5.3.5 Geography

5.3.5 Geography

Geography remains a popular subject in post-primary schools

Geography is the study of the Earth’s landscapes, peoples, places and environments, and was previously taught as a core subject at higher and ordinary level for Junior Certificate. Geography provides a platform to analyse world events, empowering young people as informed, active citizens. Studying the subject enhances students’ ability to engage with issues such as sustainable development, economic systems, hazard management and climate change, which are topics of increasing relevance in our modern world. Since September 2018, Geography has been offered at common level in the new Junior Cycle curriculum. It was due to be examined for the first time in 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to hold these examinations so the new specification will be examined for the first time in June 2022. As a core subject Geography was popular, with 58,310 candidates sitting the paper at higher or ordinary level when the Junior Cycle was last examined in 2019 (Table 5.17). The strong position of the subject is also reflected in the high number of candidates who continue to study the subject at Leaving Certificate. In each of the years 2016 to 2020, in excess of 23,000 students took the Leaving Certificate examination paper at either higher or ordinary level.

Inspectors reported evidence of highly effective planning for Geography to support students of all abilities

The Senior Cycle Geography Syllabus builds on the key skills and knowledge gained from studying Geography at Junior Cycle, and is presented in the form of core, elective, and optional areas of study, with a mandatory geographical investigation component. Where good planning was evident, teachers used a skills-based approach to teaching and learning in lessons. This planning included good examples of differentiation in mixed ability groups that ensured that sufficient challenge was provided for students of all abilities. Inspection reports also noted teachers’ use of effective questioning strategies to support assessment of student learning.

Table 5.17: Numbers of students taking Geography examination in Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate: 2016-2020

	Leaving Certificate			Junior Cycle
Year	Higher level	Ordinary level	Total candidates	Higher level	Ordinary level	Total candidates
2020	84.9%	15.1%	24,150	N/A*	N/A	N/A
2019	82.8%	17.2%	24,121	85.8%	14.2%	58,310
2018	81.9%	18.1%	23,326	86.3%	13.7%	57,250
2017	80.6%	19.4%	23,951	85.8%	14.2%	56,513
2016	77.4%	22.6%	24,116	85.4%	14.6%	55,755

Source: State Examinations Commission * As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Junior Cycle 2020 examinations were cancelled.

The overall quality of teaching and learning was good or very good in almost all geography subject inspections. Inspectors reported high levels of engagement by students and the use of active teaching methodologies to support students in their learning. A positive feature of many lessons was the use of ICT to support positive learning experiences and outcomes for students. Good use was made of Scoilnet maps and other digital tools.

Figure from page 152

An engaging transition year programme offers students an opportunity to develop their investigative skills in their local area

A small number of reports recommended that the provision for Geography in Transition Year be reviewed as the subject was either not being offered, or the subject plan was not being implemented fully. In a very small number of reports, inspectors were concerned about a focus on Leaving Certificate material in transition year lessons. A significant number of schools had a well-structured, engaging plan in place, with careful consideration of geographic skills development. In this context, a common recommendation was to develop local fieldwork opportunities to allow students to practise the skills taught in class.