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‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’. GTA meeting – 15 February 2007 Lindsay Swan Inspector, Human Society and Its Environment. Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’.
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‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’ GTA meeting – 15 February 2007 Lindsay Swan Inspector, Human Society and Its Environment
Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’ • Following a recommendation in the 2006 HSIE Syllabus Evaluation Report, during 2007 the Board of Studies is conducting a review of ‘Geography education K-12’. The review aims to canvas views about the current state of geography education in NSW in K-6, Years 7-10 and in Years 11-12. • The aim is to determine the nature of geographical education in NSW schools and consider ways to reverse the decline in student enrolments in Stage 6 Geography. • As a result of the review a report will be provided to the Board of Studies as part of the 2007 HSIE Syllabus Evaluation Report.
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’K-6 HSIE • Many K-6 teachers adopt an integrated programming model for HSIE and other KLAs, especially English and/or Science and Technology. • Seen by many as a positive feature of the flexible HSIE syllabus. • A reduced focus on HSIE learning, especially skills development, and lack of continuity for student learning within HSIE. • Question of how much actual geography students in primary schools engage with.
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Years 7-10 • As the Years 7-10 Geography syllabus was implemented from 2004, there is limited data apart from anecdotal feedback. • Some of the comments from teachers indicate that the Geography syllabus has been well received. • Teachers appreciate the reduced content and the ‘learn about’ and ‘learn to’ format. • Implementation of the revised Years 7-10 syllabuses will continue to be monitored.
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Years 7-10 • Questions of implementation and possible implications for Stage 6 Geography • Syllabus • Programming • Student engagement • Resources • Fieldwork • Staffing • Timetable issues • AHGCC Test • Choosing Stage 6 Geography?
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Stage 6 • Decline in enrolments from the early 1990s. • 1990 - 15225 students (from fewer total number of students to HSC) • by 1995 dropped to 10081 (34% decline) • 2000 enrolments were 6213 (a further decline of 38% and a decline overall since 1990 of 59%). • The decline has continued during the New HSC with an enrolment in 2006 of 4547 (a decline of 27% since 2000).
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Stage 6 • Geography Stage 6 • Preliminary enrolments • 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 • 7967 7947 7350 5762 6300 5860 • HSC enrolments • 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 • 6213 6092 5556 4408 4913 4547
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Stage 6 • Geography HSC performance data
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Review process Consultation with teachers – • Broken Hill (22 February), Met South-West (6 March), Met North (13 March), Hunter (20 March), Riverina (27 March). • Consultation meetings and Focus groups • Morning: 7-12 school • Afternoon: Primary school • Late afternoon: Geography teachers consultation meeting • Morning: Years 7-12 teachers from 3 schools (where Geography enrolments and student engagement is strong/satisfactory/limited) • Forum of teachers (15-20) from nominated schools to discuss range of issues, representing a variety of schools (DET/Catholic/Independent) of different types (comprehensive/selective/single sex/metropolitan/rural) and where Geography enrolments and student engagement is strong/satisfactory/limited.
Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Review process • Consultation with students • Focus groups – K-6; 7-10; 11-12 • Morning: Years 7-10 and 11-12 • Afternoon: Primary school - Years 3-6 • As per teachers in schools consultation schedule • Consultation with key groups • GTA – Geography Teachers Association • DET – Department of Education and Training • CEC – Catholic Education Commission • AIS – Association of Independent Schools • Consultation with Academics
Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Review process • Questions of implementation • Syllabus • Student engagement • Resources • Fieldwork • HSC Exam & assessment • Work related skills/training/options • Choosing tertiary Geography?
‘Review of Geography education in NSW K-12’Contact • Lindsay Swan Board Inspector – HSIE Phone: 9367 8150 Fax: 9367 8435 Email: swan@boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au