The status of geography in Australian schools: The present status of geography in schools is mixed

In some ways the subject has been strengthened by the introduction of the Australian curriculum. It is now a mandatory subject from Foundation (Kindergarten, Prep, Reception) to Year 8, 9 or 10, depending on the state or territory. In primary schools it may be taught as a component of a combined HASS subject, but has a separate Knowledge and Understanding sub-strand in the curriculum. This means that whereas geography was previously taught within an integrated social studies in most states and territories, a practice that was widely criticised as lacking in rigour and depth, it now has a separate disciplinary identity. Whether it is taught this way in primary schools, however, has not been studied. In secondary schools, geography is a separate subject from Years 7 to 12, which it wasn't previously in some states and territories. The introduction of the Australian curriculum has consequently strengthened geography's identity, and it was the fifth subject to have a curriculum developed by ACARA.