Report of a survey provision in Geography and History in a sample of primary schools in NI

Abstract

The main purpose of the survey was to evaluate the current position and quality of provision in geography and history in key stages (KS) 1 and 2. The survey involved visits to a total of 30 primary schools. The visits to the schools involved discussions with the principals, the co-ordinators or teachers in charge of geography and history, and with class teachers; the experiences in geography and history of some of the children in years 6 and 7 were also explored in discussions. The survey found that both geography and history remain popular and valued subjects in the primary curriculum. Although most schools are focusing on other curricular priorities, in particular, literacy, numeracy and ICT, the vast majority of schools continue to devote adequate curriculum time to both geography and history. The links between the two subjects are exploited well in KS1; these links are evident in only a minority of schools during KS2.