Tracking Australian students’ participation in senior secondary geography: Trends and implications for geography’s future

Abstract This study examines trends in senior secondary geography participation in Australia from 1998 to 2023, using data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth and published senior secondary data. The research reveals a significant decline in geography enrolment nationally, with the proportion of Year 12 students studying geography falling from 8.1% (1998–2017) to 6.2% (2012–2023). Substantial variations exist across jurisdictions, with Western Australia maintaining the highest participation rates and the Australian Capital Territory the lowest. The study also explores demographic characteristics, finding that independent schools have higher participation rates, and gender balance varies by state. The decline in geography enrolment is contextualised within broader educational trends and compared with selected international patterns. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these trends for the future of geography education in Australia, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the subject’s declining popularity and ensure its continued relevance in the curriculum.