The study of geography equips young people with the knowledge and understanding to be informed citizens in the 21st Century, providing them with the skills to pursue a range of careers.
Geography:
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Stimulates an interest in places, people and the environment.
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Helps young people make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world and how society, the economy and environment combine to bring about change.
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Explains where places are, how places and landscapes are formed, how people and their environment interact.
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Explores how a diverse range of economies, societies and environments are interconnected.
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Examines natural resources and their sustainable use.
Over recent years the number of students studying geography at school and university has been rising, with geography experiencing some of the most rapid rates of growth for all subjects. The number of GCSE entrants has increased by 22% since 2011; it is now the eighth most popular subject at GCSE, A and AS Level.
In Scotland, more than 11,200 pupils achieved a 'pass' in Geography at SCQF level 3 - 5 in 2014/15, whilst nearly 5,500 students passed SCQF level 6 - 7.
The importance of geography has been recognised by government: the UK Government has included geography as one of the subjects within the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) aimed at getting more students to study core subjects at GCSE.
Geography is important for further study and careers: the Russell Group of Universities recognise A Level geography as one of the key 'facilitating' subjects for entry to degree level study. Their document Informed Choices provides details. Geography graduates have highly valued, transferable skills, equipping them for a range of careers.