The concept of powerful knowledge was introduced into educational debates nearly a decade ago by Michael Young, a British sociologist of education. Young describes powerful knowledge as knowledge that enables young people to go beyond the limits of their own experience; better explain and understand the world; think about alternative futures and…

"Sustainability" is one of the seven major concepts in the geography curriculum. It is also one of the three cross-curriculum priorities in the Australian curriculum, together with Asia and Australia's engagement with Asia, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. This paper describes how the concept is explained…

Each year, World Vision and AusAID devote substantial resources to their educational programs. These initiatives include the production and dissemination of Global Education related instructional materials and the provision of professional learning for teachers. Given the substantial funds involved, it is important that we evaluate the…

Unparalleled amounts of energy derived from fossil fuels now drive societies and shape people's worldviews. Geography's unique perspectives have significant potential to expand understandings of the effects of production and consumption of energy by drawing on the concept of sustainability using an integrated systems approach. As citizens' energy…

The Australian Geography Teachers Association (AGTA) represents the views of Australian geography teachers on educational matters. AGTA also seeks to improve the capacity of geography teachers to respond to a changing teaching and learning landscape. The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent authority…

The Australian Curriculum Cross-curriculum priorities and the Australian Curriculum: Geography both include the term "world views." The meaning of world views, the development of world views as part of the history of geographic thought, and the adoption world of views by teachers and students, affect the ways in which geography is taught…

This article provides an insight into the development of primary geography since the inception of the national curriculum in England in the late 1980s. It is hoped this is informative as the "Australian Curriculum: Geography Foundation to Year 12" is introduced to and implemented in primary schools. It draws out various matters which…

The introduction of Geography as a compulsory learning area from Foundation year, such as Kindergarten, to Year 8 in Australia provides new opportunities for learning and teaching. Opportunities, in part, will be driven by challenges associated with the introduction of this learning area. Key challenges are about variability: in take-up of the…

The High School Geography Project was used and evaluated by 15-year old students in New Zealand. The program, highly innovative in approaches in teaching Geography, is found to be highly adapted to Australian needs in Geography instruction. (JR)

The Man and the Environment semester course is one of the new geography courses being trialled in Australia. The curriculum process which led to the setting up of the course is outlined. An evaluation of the course is presented, based on the trail conducted at one Brisbane high school. (Author/JR)

Traces the development of environmental education in Australia and assesses change in the environmental content of geography curriculum. The conclusion is that teachers of geography should become more involved in environmental education. For journal availability, see SO 505 721. (Author/DB)

Tells how two teachers who have authored a number of popular geography textbooks got started. Describes what they attempt to accomplish when they write a book and gives insight into the difficulties that teacher-authors may encounter. (JDH)

Presents the views of three secondary-level teachers regarding the use of textbooks in geography instruction. (JDH)

Presents a classroom exercise which takes the form of a "court of inquiry" putting a geography textbook "on trial" regarding its treatment of apartheid in South Africa. Includes a diagram on how to set up the classroom and instructions on how to conduct a court of inquiry. (JDH)

This article examines the topic of racism in textbooks by reviewing the content of a geography textbook popular in the United Kingdom and Australia. Concludes that the problem of racism in textbooks is pervasive and in violation of United Nations standards for antiracist instruction. (JDH)