Geography for All pilot project

Geography saw a growth in GCSE entries over 2011-2021 coming predominately from previously under-represented groups: Black, Asian and minority ethnic students; those with lower prior attainment; students from lower-income households or those studying in non-selective maintained schools. However, beyond the age of 16 the subject intake – by income and ethnicity – narrows, first at A Level and then further on entry to undergraduate courses.

The Society undertook research to further explore who is and isn't studying geography, young people's views on their subject choices and careers, and the experiences of Black, Asian and minority ethnic geography teacher trainees and early career teachers.

Project overview

The Geography for All project worked with colleagues and organisations across the geographical community. It addressed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the subject, with a focus on under-representation by income and ethnicity through the following:

• Pilot, evaluate and share direct work with young people that are under-represented in geography to better support their achievement and aspirations through the subject.
• Establish a network of geography teachers to particularly support the capacities of geography teacher trainees and early career geography teachers in addressing EDI within their practice.
• Engage with, and support, the potential involvement of universities and employers to better promote and support pathways into higher education and the workplace for geography students.

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