Decline in Earth and Environmental Science Enrolments Among Queensland Year 12 Students
One-third of year 12 students have dropped this science subject since 2025
The Sydney Morning HeraldImage: The Sydney Morning Herald
In Queensland, one-third of Year 11 students enrolled in earth and environmental science in 2025 dropped the subject by Year 12, leading to significant enrolment declines and some schools discontinuing the course. This trend reflects a broader decrease in interest in science subjects among high school students.
- 01Approximately 200 students in Queensland are expected to graduate with earth and environmental science this year, a significant decline from previous years.
- 02Enrolments for Year 11 earth and environmental science dropped by 25.4% this year, with projections indicating a further 30% decline for next year.
- 03The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority reported a total decline of about 4000 English enrolments, representing a 13% drop.
- 04Brisbane Grammar School and Anglican Church Grammar School have experienced halved enrolments in earth and environmental science, with some schools reporting zero enrolments for the upcoming year.
- 05The decline in earth and environmental science enrolments is mirrored by a reduction in university students pursuing geoscience and climate science degrees.
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In Queensland, a troubling trend has emerged as one-third of Year 11 students enrolled in earth and environmental science in 2025 have dropped the subject by Year 12. This decline has led to some schools discontinuing the course entirely, with only about 200 graduates expected this year. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority's enrolment data indicates a 25.4% drop in Year 11 enrolments for earth and environmental science, with projections suggesting a further 30% decline for the following year. Notably, the overall enrolment in English has also decreased by about 4000 students, or 13%. Schools like Brisbane Grammar and Anglican Church Grammar have seen their enrolments halved, with some institutions reporting zero enrolments for the upcoming year. The Deputy Headmaster of Brisbane Grammar emphasized the school's commitment to maintaining earth and environmental science as a foundational subject, supported by new facilities. This decline in interest is not only affecting high school enrolments but is also reflected in universities, where fewer students are completing degrees in geoscience and climate science.
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The decline in earth and environmental science enrolments may affect future career pathways in environmental and geoscience fields.
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