1.
The study of geography develops the key skills of literacy, numeracy
and uniquely, graphicacy. Through the analysis of data
and
the interpretation of statistical maps, diagrams, graphs, charts and
tables geography develops in students the increasingly demanded
skill of graphicacy. Geography is the only school subject that
facilitates the successful simultaneous development of all three key
skills - literacy, numeracy and graphicacy.
2.
Geography is the spatial science. It provides
understanding of the distribution of physical features and human
habitats over the earth’s surface (space). It is the only school
subject which develops students knowledge and understanding of
spaces and the relationship between them. Understanding one’s
locality contributes to good citizenship. Understanding global
space makes active global citizens. Geography enables young
people to think globally and act locally. An Irish geographer was
one of the scientists on the panel awarded the Nobel Prize for
research on Climate Change.
3.
Geographers are the most technologically globalised people
in the education system. Geographers use a wide range of
technologies to create ‘big picture’ views of issues and
solve problems. These are rational and creative skills
that are essential to the modern world. This is evidenced in the
work of the Marine Institute, Teagasc, The Central Statistics
Office, Google, The Geological Survey, An Bord Pleanala and the
Ordnance Survey of Ireland, to name but a few.
4.
Geography develops in students the key skills
essential for their future successful participation in society:
critical thinking and advanced analytical skills; the ability to
understand and interpret complex data; a team working capability;
and an understanding of physical, social and economic environments
and the interplay between them.
5.
The study of the interaction between people and environment
is a central focus of school geography. Geography, through its study
of the world’s places, people and environments – including how they
are interconnected and why they are changing – is an essential
part of young people’s personal development and learning.
Geography promotes environmental consciousness and conservation.
Geography is the only school subject capable of promoting attitudes
t
owards sustainable development as a core competence.
6.
Geography is the foundation of Irish people’s sense and
understanding of space and place. This has been essential,
for example, in connecting the Irish Diaspora, driving Irish
overseas aid, leading the way in UN peace keeping missions,
spreading Irish culture to the corners of the earth and in building
the economic relationships that underpin successful multinational
investment in Ireland. Geography is what makes Irish people
Irish.
7.
Geography is the only synthesising subject in the
secondary curriculum. It is the only school subject that
ties together several areas of learning - history, chemistry,
biology, physics, economics, Art, English Literature, Languages,
business studies and mathematics. No other subject at Junior Cycle
is such an effective bridge between the sciences and
humanities. Geography and science are closely linked in many areas
and geography is a gateway subject to Third Level science. It is
offered in TCD through both the Science and Humanities faculties.
Geography makes science more accessible as a subject choice
encouraging more to take it at senior cycle.
8.
Geography is the intercultural subject. It
builds positive appreciation and understanding of cultural
identity. It promotes understanding and tolerance of different
cultures. It provides the ‘raw data’ for international relations,
the solutions to apparently intractable disputes and pathways to
peace agreements. Several Irish geographers are significant
international political geographers.
9.
Geography is a popular examination choice at Leaving
Certificate level. It is the 2nd most popular subject
choice at Leaving Certificate, demonstrating the success of
Junior Certificate Geography. In the UK, it is considered to be ‘facilitating
subject’ by the Russell Group of Universities as a subject that
can be used as entry qualification to a wide range of third level
courses. Geography is included in the Irish International
Baccalaureate. It is currently being re-introduced in several States
in the USA and is being actively supported by government in
the United Kingdom and Australia.
10.
Only geography provides students with the opportunity to
integrate their knowledge and appreciation of their
physical, social, economic, cultural and heritage environment. With
its focus on the interaction between humanity and the environment
geography provides the appropriate context for balanced social and
environmental education.
