The Influence of Pupil Perceptions on Subject Choice at 14+ in Geography and History

Abstract

This article draws on the findings of a questionnaire inquiry into the factors influencing pupils' uptake of history and geography at GCSE. It argues that although many pupils enjoyed their learning at Key Stage 3 and that each subject holds some intrinsic interest in its own right, many pupils believe that there is relatively little purpose in pursuing the subjects beyond this stage. Their understanding of the relative 'usefulness' of both history and geography in their future lives is limited to direct and naive reference to forms of employment. Their understanding of the wider contribution each can make to their future lives is disappointingly uninformed. This limited understanding has an impact upon option decisions: if pupils cannot perceive any short term and longer term appreciation of the value of each subject then they are unlikely to want to pursue it in further study.