Queensland Schools Scrap Earth Science as Interest Drains

Earth and Environmental Science is facing a severe enrollment crisis in Queensland, with a third of Year 11 students opting out before Year 12. This sharp decline is prompting several schools to cease offering the discipline altogether. Projections suggest that only around 200 students across the state will complete the subject this year, a stark contrast to previous years.

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority's data reveals a 25.4% drop in Year 11 enrollments for the current academic year. Furthermore, projected enrollments for next year's Year 11 cohort show an additional 30% decrease. This trend mirrors a broader disinterest in geoscience and climate science evident in university undergraduate programs.

Students and educators note that the subject's initial focus on geology, perceived as "boring" by some, may deter early engagement. While environmental science aspects become more prominent later, many students do not see the subject through. This decline impacts future pathways, as students increasingly opt for subjects like geography, which had substantially higher Year 12 enrollments last year.

Several schools, including Mansfield State High School, have seen enrollments plummet to zero for upcoming years. Other institutions, like Brisbane Grammar and Anglican Church Grammar School, have also experienced significant reductions in student numbers for the subject, despite ongoing school commitment and investment in specialized facilities. English subject enrollments also saw a substantial drop of 13%.