This seminar reports on my contribution to an international project which aims to better connect school geography with future careers in subject-related professions. The first part of the seminar presents findings from an online survey exploring the career aspirations of A level and undergraduate geographers in England. The second part unpacks how research findings were used to inform a curriculum design project which set out to create career-orientated lessons that take heed of the Gatsby Benchmark statements and embed real-world geography knowledge and skills into the school curriculum. I argue that stronger connections are needed between school geography, career education and professional geographers working in real-world contexts. This is particularly important when considering that 96% of GCSE geographers in England do not go on to study geography at university. I conclude that career-orientated lessons are a powerful, yet under-utilised, strategy, which should be integral to all school subjects to enable more authentic real-world learning experiences and support young people to form realistic career aspirations.

To watch online, please contact communications@education.ox.ac.uk.