Geography in schools

In Australia, geography, studied as a discipline, is generally non-existent in Grades K-6 (approximately ages 5-11 years) and, in some states, this st ate of affairs extends to Grades 7-10 (12-15 years). In NEW South Wales (NS W), the geography component has been strengthened in the Grades K-6 curricu lum; there are mandatory and optional geography courses in Grades 7-10, and optional geography courses in Grades II and 12 (16-17 + years). In this pa per, the place of geography in NSW, in the learning area of Studies of Soci ety and Environment, is compared with geography curricula in five countries . In England and Wales, and in Finland, geography is regarded as an essenti al subject in the school curriculum. In the USA an Japan, attempts are bein g made to replace generalist social studies courses with disciplines, such as geography, from the humanities and social sciences. And, finally, Hong K ong has been influenced by curriculum developments in England and Wales, as well as in Australia.