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Abstract
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 state of affairs extends to Grades 7-10 (12-15 years). In New South Wales (NSW), the geography component has been strengthened in the Grades K-6 curriculum; there are mandatory and optional geography courses in Grades 7-10, and optional geography courses in Grades 11 and 12 (16-17 + years). In this paper, the place of geography in NSW, in the learning area of Studies of Society and Environment, is compared with geography curricula in five countries. In England and Wales, and in Finland, geography is regarded as an essential subject in the school curriculum. In the USA and Japan, attempts are being made to replace generalist social studies courses with disciplines, such as geography, from the humanities and social sciences. And, finally, Hong Kong has been influenced by curriculum developments in England and Wales, as well as in Australia.
