Young Geographer of the Year

Young Geographer of the Year. The Young Geographer of the Year award is presented by the Royal Geographical Society to recognize excellence in geography among young people, in collaboration with Geographical Association and Ordnance Survey. This prestigious award is given to students who demonstrate a deep understanding of geographical concepts, such as those taught by David Harvey and Doreen Massey, and apply them to real-world issues, like climate change and sustainable development, as discussed by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and United Nations Environment Programme. The award aims to encourage young people to pursue careers in geography, following in the footsteps of notable geographers like Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Sauer.

Introduction

The Young Geographer of the Year award is an annual competition that attracts students from across the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The award is open to students in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3, who are taught geography as part of the National Curriculum in England and Wales, and the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. The competition is designed to test students' knowledge of geography, as well as their skills in cartography, GIS, and remote sensing, which are essential tools for geographers like Roger Tomlinson and David Mark. The award is sponsored by organizations like Ordnance Survey and Esri UK, which provide students with access to GIS software and geospatial data.

History of the Award

The Young Geographer of the Year award was established by the Royal Geographical Society in collaboration with the Geographical Association and Ordnance Survey. The award has a long history, dating back to the early 2000s, when it was first presented to students who demonstrated excellence in geography, as defined by the Geography Standards and National Council for Social Studies. Over the years, the award has undergone several changes, including the introduction of new categories and the expansion of the competition to include students from Ireland and other countries, such as Australia and Canada. The award has been presented to students who have gone on to pursue careers in geography, including academic research at institutions like University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, and professional practice in organizations like National Geographic Society and World Wildlife Fund.

Eligibility and Selection

To be eligible for the Young Geographer of the Year award, students must be in Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3 and be studying geography as part of their school curriculum, which includes topics like human geography and physical geography, as taught by Paul Krugman and Jared Diamond. Students must also submit an entry that demonstrates their knowledge and skills in geography, which may include a poster, essay, or presentation, using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office. The selection process involves a panel of judges, including geographers like Sarah Whatmore and Nigel Thrift, who review the entries and select the winners based on criteria like geographical knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills, as outlined by the Geographical Association and Royal Geographical Society.

Notable Winners

The Young Geographer of the Year award has been presented to many notable winners, including students who have gone on to pursue careers in geography, such as research at institutions like University of California, Berkeley and University of Chicago, and professional practice in organizations like European Space Agency and United States Geological Survey. Some notable winners include students who have worked on projects related to sustainable development, climate change, and conservation, which are key areas of focus for organizations like World Bank and International Union for Conservation of Nature. These winners have demonstrated a deep understanding of geographical concepts and have applied them to real-world issues, as discussed by United Nations and European Union.

Impact and Legacy

The Young Geographer of the Year award has had a significant impact on the field of geography, encouraging young people to pursue careers in the subject and promoting excellence in geographical education, as recognized by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and European Commission. The award has also raised awareness of the importance of geography in understanding and addressing global issues, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation, which are key areas of focus for organizations like World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization. The legacy of the award can be seen in the many notable geographers who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field, including academic research at institutions like Harvard University and University of London, and professional practice in organizations like National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and European Environment Agency.

Category:Geography awards