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Congratulations to everyone receiving their GCSE geography results today.
The number of students studying geography GCSE in 2020 has continued to rise, with 255,344 candidates sitting the exam in English schools; a 1.7% increase on the candidate numbers from 2019. This is the ninth successive annual increase in candidate numbers for geography GCSE, making it the sixth most popular subject.
The Society's Director, Professor Joe Smith, said: “There has never been a better time to study geography. It gives young people a vital overview of the world's people, places, and environments; combines the natural and social sciences; explores key issues and inter-dependencies at different scales, and, has 'part-STEM' status in higher education. No other subject can claim such a unique place on the curriculum.
Since 2010 candidate numbers have risen every year for GCSE geography. The Society is particularly pleased to see that this growth has come disproportionately from groups of pupils who previously were less likely study geography, namely Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, those with prior disadvantages, and young people studying in comprehensive schools.
“The post-pandemic world will contain additional uncertainties alongside a competitive job market – so knowing where a geography A Level or university degree can take you is important. The good news for students considering their next steps today is that geography courses have high completion rates and positive student feedback.
“Geographers are also sought-after employees with above average graduate employment and salary prospects. In short, it is a subject that is not only relevant to the real world, but also one you are more likely to enjoy, secure a job through and earn a reasonable wage with."
Find out more about why you should choose geography.