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‘Geography shapes who we are, how we view the world and how we live within it. It enhances everyone’s learning, livelihoods and lives.’
Steve Brace 2025
Why teach geography?
Do you love the subject and want to inspire young people to engage with the world today? Are you interested in helping them explore both familiar and distant places, and understand how human activity shapes physical environments? If so, teaching geography could be the right career for you.
Addressing the question ‘What is the point of geography?’, Mark Enser (2026) writes:
‘It is not simply to inform pupils about the world, nor to encourage them to care about it, though both may happen. Its purpose is to give them the means to understand, to explain and to think about the world in ways that would otherwise be closed to them.’
As a geography teacher, you will help students understand the complex and interconnected nature of the physical and human world, while fostering curiosity about Earth’s environments. An interest in travel and discovering new places can enrich your teaching, but more importantly, you will translate your fascination for landscapes, cultures, and global issues into meaningful classroom learning and fieldwork.
You will encourage curiosity and environmental awareness, helping students connect physical processes (such as volcanoes and climate) with human activity (including politics and society). In doing so, you will support young people to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Geography’s unique position bridging the sciences and humanities allows you to explore diverse topics, from urban change to sustainability. You will create engaging, real-world learning experiences, including through fieldwork, that bring the subject to life and inspire enquiry.
What is school geography like?
You may remember your own geography lessons. What inspired you to continue studying the subject? Today, school geography is a dynamic and engaging subject and it is a popular choice at GCSE level. It focuses on key 21st-century issues such as climate change, sustainability, and global interconnectedness.
The subject has evolved beyond memorisation to emphasise critical thinking, spatial analysis, and the use of digital tools such as GIS and satellite imagery.
- Read this Summary of geography in schools to find out what pupils learn in geography lessons today.
In England there will be a new National Curriculum for primary and secondary schools for teaching from autumn 2028 with revised GCSE and A level specifications for teaching to follow.
How much fieldwork is done in schools?
Fieldwork is a core element of geography. It is a National Curriculum requirement for both primary and secondary pupils and is essential at GCSE and A level.
In many secondary schools, structured programmes develop fieldwork skills over time, often including residential experiences for older students. Primary schools typically offer local visits or trips further afield, sometimes linking geography with other subjects.
To learn more, explore the GA fieldwork pages.
Is teaching just for those who can’t think of what else to do?
Certainly not. The old saying ‘those who can’t, teach‘ is outdated and inaccurate. Visiting a school and observing a geography department will quickly show that effective teaching requires a wide range of developed skills, commitment, and expertise. Successful teachers choose the profession deliberately and continue to refine their practice over time.
What qualities make a good geography teacher?
Key qualities include:
- good subject knowledge and enthusiasm for geography
- ability to engage and build relationships with young people
- understanding the subject’s importance for students’ futures
- organisation and commitment
- resilience and a sense of humour
- being innovative, with a willingness to try new ideas with students.
What other experiences or life skills are useful?
Experience working with children or young people is highly valuable. This might include:
- supporting younger pupils in school
- volunteering with youth groups or organisations (e.g. Scouts)
- coaching sports or leading activities.
Other useful experiences include travelling, volunteering (including overseas), or working in a geography-related field. These can deepen subject knowledge and enhance your teaching.
How can I get experience of geography in school?
You might begin by visiting a former school or one where you have a connection. Before applying for teacher training, it is helpful to gain more in-depth experience in one or more schools.
Find out more about getting school experience at Applying to teach geography.
If you find making contacts with schools difficult, register at Get school experience to access the DfE scheme.
What benefits are there in geography teaching?
Teaching offers many rewarding moments, including building positive relationships with students and contributing to their development. One of the greatest benefits is the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference to young people’s lives.
A trainee teacher comments on her experience:
‘I have really enjoyed watching students’ world views open up when I taught the connection between human and physical geography. Seeing students understand the impact of human activity and what they can do to protect our environment and each other has been a real highlight this year. For me, it has solidified the importance of high-quality geography education and my excitement to be a part of this throughout my career.’
Geography teachers often highlight fieldwork as particularly rewarding, as it allows students to experience learning in a tangible way. Teaching is also a creative profession – no two days are the same – and provides opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and build strong professional relationships.
Will there be jobs available after I have trained?
Geography teachers are in demand, as the subject remains popular in schools. After training, you will need to apply to schools and attend interviews. You may need to relocate to secure a suitable position.
While employment cannot be guaranteed, most geography graduates successfully find teaching roles.
To find out more about being a trainee geography teacher, see Being a geography trainee teacher.
Consider some key questions about teaching geography that will help you determine what makes a good geography teacher, useful skills and how to gain more experience.
Refer to the DfE webpages Become a geography teacher to find out more.
