Geography and Fieldwork Entitlement in Australian Secondary Schools: Are Students Getting Enough?

<p dir="ltr">Australian secondary school students' entitlement to a comprehensive geography education is vulnerable. This study investigates the extent to which Geography is being delivered across Australia by analysing survey data from 270 schools on geography teaching hours, mode of delivery, fieldwork, and senior provision. Nationally, Geography averages 54 hours per year from Years 7–10, typically as part of a combined humanities subject, except in Year 10 where it is often an elective stand-alone subject. On average, 11% of geography instructional time is spent on fieldwork. While 63% of schools offer two years of senior Geography, 21% offer none. The variability in provision raises concerns about the equitable access of Australian students to a rigorous geography education that develops disciplinary knowledge and inquiry practices. Achieving national consistency and strengthening fieldwork may require policy interventions to safeguard Geography's entitlement.</p>