IS GEOGRAPHY GOING PLACES?

Abstract

ABSTRACT During the past two decades the British education system has undergone extensive changes and this has ushered in changes and new perspectives on the nature and place of Geography education in schools. This paper raises some of the issues that have faced geographical education in the UK and describes some of the strategies that UK geographical bodies have adopted in an attempt to strengthen the position of Geography at all levels in the education system. In so doing, it raises the question, ‘What is the likely future of Geography as a discipline in its own right in South African schools, colleges and universities?’ It is suggested that in post-apartheid South Africa it should not be difficult to make a strong case for Geography in the context of Curriculum 2005, and The Society of South African Geographers has a crucial role to play in this. The key to success will be ongoing dialogue and action among the entire geographical community. In the ‘new’ South Africa, Geography can play a vital role in areas such as development and environmental education, as well as promoting an understanding of social and cultural patterns and processes, all of which are highly topical in the South African context.