Geography students participate in first ever UK Geography Olympiad
St Dominic’s students were fortunate to be one of five state schools invited to participate in a trial to determine if it was viable to launch the first ever UK Geography Olympiad. The event is overseen by the Geographical Association.
The event brought together talented young geographers from a range of schools to celebrate curiosity about the world and to test students’ ability to apply their geographical knowledge to unfamiliar challenges. For our students, the Olympiad was not only a competition but also an opportunity to engage deeply with the kinds of complex issues that define geography as a discipline.
Throughout the competition, participants were required to think critically about a variety of geographical themes, drawing on both physical and human geography. Tasks challenged students to analyse patterns in environmental data, interpret maps and spatial information, and consider contemporary global issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and sustainable resource management.
The competition tested students well beyond even what they students learn on the A Level specifications! For example, do you know what angle a yardang is formed at by aeolian processes? For what ecosystem that landform is associated with?
Being invited to participate in the inaugural Geography Olympiad is also an important recognition of the strength of geography at St Dominic’s. It reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and to fostering a deep understanding of the world among our students. Geography is a subject that equips young people with the skills to interpret global patterns, understand environmental change, and think critically about the challenges facing our planet.
Our Medal Winners
Gold Medals 2 Students – Aritha Liyanage and Jessica Murtagh
Silver Medals 7 Students
Bronze Medals 17 Students
The trial was a success, and I am pleased to say the Olympiad will be launched nationally next academic year, allowing future St Dominic’s geographers the opportunity to become gladiators in this national competition.
Paul Logue | Acting Assistant Principal/Head of Geography
