Primary Geography in the Republic of Ireland: Practices, Issues and Possible Futures

Year 2015, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 185 - 198, 31.08.2015

Susan Pıke

Abstract

In the Republic of Ireland, geography is recognized as an
important subject for children to learn and all pupils take it throughout their
primary school years. The current curriculum, the Primary School Curriculum –
Geography, follows a tradition of innovative, child-centered geography
curricula in Ireland. This article outlines the history of geography as a
primary school subject in the Republic of Ireland to put current practices in
schools into their historical context. It draws on all available research,
curricula, reports and resources in primary geography to consider a variety of
issues, including national policies and funding for primary geography as well
those relating to teaching and learning in schools. Finally possible futures
for primary geography in primary schools are considered.

Keywords

Primary education, primary geography, geography education, geography in the Republic of Ireland

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