Exploring Environmental Issues in Geography Olympiad

This year for the Inspiration Trust Geography Olympiad, a competition was held to challenge and inspire pupils to think differently about how Geography interacts with so much of our day-to-day life. 

There were entries from across Inspiration Trust secondary schools, highlighting the popularity and passion that pupils have for Geography. The enthusiasm and knowledge were fantastic to see in entries that covered a wide range of issues. Pupils investigated Africa’s Great Green Wall, the reintroduction of beavers to the UK and XLinks cables to transport solar energy from Morocco, amongst other projects. It was really encouraging to see so many entries about our local environment including, the Wash tidal barrage and the Norwich West link road. 

Considering issues from different viewpoints is key to gaining a deeper understanding of Geography, taking into account all the evidence and dealing with geographical issues.  

Decision-making is a key skill in Geography. When it comes to important socio-economic and environmental issues, geographers consider a range of perspectives and carefully analyse all the available data before establishing rational, evidence-based conclusions.

The Geography Olympiad provides opportunities for pupils to engage with geography beyond the curriculum and outside of the classroom, further developing pupils’ passion for the subject. 

Chris Moon, Geography Subject Specialist Lead said: 

 

“I was blown away by the entries to the Olympiad Decision-Making-Exercise Competition. It was thrilling to see pupils' enthusiasm and careful, skilful thinking displayed in their projects. A wide range of important issues were investigated, from Africa's Great Green Wall to the proposed Wash Tidal Barrage in Norfolk. Young people are passionate about their world, now and in the future; about decisions being made that truly benefit people but also conserve the environment. The Competition gave the opportunity for their voices to be heard. Congratulationsto all of our winners and well done to all who took part.” 

Inspiration Trust promotes a knowledge-rich Geography curriculum where pupils learn the best of what has been discovered in geography. Pulling together the dynamic issues in geography, pupils are taught about contemporary issues that affect local environments, and case studies from further afield. Developing key geographical skills such as data collection, critical interpretation and analysis of a range of perspectives, pupils are able to compare the effect of policy and industry on our environment.  

Our winners:

KS3 - Kitty D (Hethersett Academy)

KS4 - Thomas M (Thetford Academy)

KS5 - Em B (Jane Austen College)

Runners-up:

Sai I(Jane Austen College)

Eshaal R (Hethersett Academy)

Mercedes-Daisy L (Thetford Academy)

Daisy Hill (Jane Austen College)

Maisie Fagan (Jane Austen College)