When astronauts watched the Earth rise over the moon, they saw a small, vulnerable planet alone in space. This planet’s environment is being damaged by the people who live on it. They are killing off thousands of species and polluting the air they breathe and the water they drink. And wars rage between groups that do not understand each other.
The planet’s future lies in the hands of today’s children. So how can the teaching of geography in primary schools not be seen as important? Yet, a new Geography Association survey (see page 12) shows that trainee teachers can spend the sum total of four hours on this key subject. And last term the Office for Standards in Education reported that geography remained one of the worst-taught subjects in primary schools.
Children are passionate about the environment and keen to find their place in the world around them. Surely it is time for geography’s place to be recognised?
