Become a geography teacher

Why become a geography teacher?

Do you have a passion for exploring the world and a desire to ignite curiosity in others? Then becoming a geography teacher could be your dream career! Here's why:

Be a world explorer – in the classroom: Geography is all about our planet's amazing landscapes, diverse cultures, and fascinating ecosystems. You'll design engaging lessons that bring the world to life, sparking a love of exploration and discovery in your pupils.

Nurture the next generation of global citizens: Geography goes beyond memorising countries and capitals. You'll help pupils understand the complex relationships between people and the environment, fostering responsible and informed global citizens.

Develop critical thinkers and problem-solvers: Geography tackles real-world challenges like climate change and resource management. Through map analysis, data exploration, and project-based learning, you'll equip pupils with critical thinking and problem-solving skills vital for success in any field.

Why is teaching Geography important?

Geography is more than just memorising landmarks. It's about understanding the world around us and our place within it. Here's why teaching it is crucial:

Empowering pupils for the future: Geographical knowledge is vital for numerous careers, from environmental science and urban planning to international relations and tourism. By teaching geography, you'll be equipping pupils with the skills and understanding needed to thrive in a globalized world.

Promoting environmental awareness: Geography tackles pressing issues like climate change and sustainability. By teaching it, you'll empower pupils to become responsible stewards of the environment, making informed decisions about the future of our planet.

Fostering cultural understanding: Geography helps us appreciate the diversity of cultures and landscapes across the globe. By teaching it, you'll promote tolerance, empathy, and a sense of global citizenship in your pupils.

How do teachers make a difference to young people's lives?

What will I be teaching?

You will teach the national curriculum for geography. The national curriculum for geography aims to ensure that all pupils:

develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places – both terrestrial and marine – including their defining physical and human characteristics and how these provide a geographical context for understanding the actions of processes
understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time
are competent in the geographical skills needed to:
collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes
interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.

How will I learn?

Structured Weekly Plan: Follow a clear and manageable weekly schedule that combines online learning with hands-on experience in a real school setting.

Online Learning: Dedicate 20% of your time to in-depth subject knowledge and professional development modules delivered through our engaging e-learning platform. Access course materials, engaging lessons, and helpful tutorials whenever you need them.

Expert Mentorship: Receive dedicated support from a school-based mentor who will guide you through your ITT course, offering regular progress checks and helping you plan your next steps

What qualifications do I need to train to be a geography teacher?

To train to teach physics, you will need:

GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths
a bachelor’s degree in any subject
a keen passion for, and interest in, geography
If we think you might need to top up your geography knowledge, we might recommend that you to undertake some subject knowledge enhancement before you start your teacher training

What funding is available to me to train to be a geography teacher?

Tax-free bursaries of £25,000 are available for trainee geography teachers.

You can get a bursary or scholarship alongside a tuition fee and maintenance loan.

You may also be able to get extra funding support if you're a parent/carer or disabled.

Non-UK citizens without indefinite leave to remain in the UK are unlikely to be eligible for funding. You can find out more about fees and financial support available for non-UK citizens.

What funding is available to my employing school?

If you choose to train to teach geography through a Teacher Apprenticeship, a grant will be paid directly to your employing school to support paying your wages (paid according to the unqualified teacher pay scale).

Secondary specialism	Cost of training	Unqualified Teacher Pay scale	Employer grant
Geography	Levy-funded	£20,598	£16,000

The Application Process

What is the application process like?

You can apply directly through our website below. After an initial check, we will then contact you to arrange an interview. Once a successful interview has been completed and you have accepted a place to train to teach with BPN, we will then search for a school placement for you (if you do not already have a school that is willing to support your training).

How do I apply to become a geography teacher?

First, you will need to decide which programme best suits your needs. We have two programmes available to budding geography teachers, the Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship and Fee-funded Initial Teacher Training (ITT).

Both programmes are school-centred in that the majority of your training will occur in school as you learn on the job. However, there are key differences when it comes to funding and salary. You can compare the two programmes looking at the respective programme structures below.