Factors affecting student choice of geography as a senior secondary school subject in Queensland

Questionnaire responses from 169 Year 11 Queensland geography students and 174 Year 11 students not taking geography were analysed in order to explore factors which most influence students’ choice of geography as a senior secondary school subject. Personal interest in geography, together with the perceived relevance of the subject for pursuing a future job or career, emerged as major influences in students’ subject choice decision‐making. The most popular aspects of the subject were the opportunity to engage in fieldwork, to learn about society, cultures and places and to learn about the environment The findings indicate that student subject choice is also greatly affected by factors outside the influence of geography educators. In particular, the increasing exclusion of geography from the junior secondary curriculum needs to be investigated and addressed. On the basis of the findings, suggestions are made for ways in which geography educators and administrators can make geography more attractive and accessible to students.