Prize Weekend Highlights
A little bit of rain doesn't stop geographers! The students at Middle Head Map exercise on Cockatoo Island (l to r Hin Yew, Srivatsa, Tim, Thomas) Preparing for snorkelling in Chowder Bay Keeping warm on the bushwalk (David and Bridget) Relaxing at Land's Edge (l to r Tim, Bridget, Miguel) And I'll raise you two spoons (clockwise from left - Bridget, Tim, Thomas, Miguel, Prashant, David)	The 2008 National Final for under 16s was held in Sydney on 16 June. The eight state and territory finalists were determined by the results of the school round, held in April. Competing in the National Final were: Bridget Anderson (Tas), Srivatsa Badariprasad (Vic), David Giles (SA), Thomas Hambly (National Runner-up), Prashant Kelshiker (Territories), Tim Tran (Qld), Miguel Vera-Cruz (NSW) and Hin Yew Wong (WA). The students spent the previous weekend exploring Sydney Harbour's waterways, islands and the maritime village of Chowder Bay. This included snorkelling to see sea horses, a map exercise on Cockatoo Island, touring the defence tunnels on Georges Heights, and bushwalking to Middle Head – where they had fantastic views of Manly ferries roller-coasting over the waves as the ferries crossed in front of North Head in strong winds. The base for these activities was Land's Edge, an outdoor education company at Chowder Bay. On the Saturday evening the group took a water taxi to Circular Quay for dinner and a live performance of Edward Scissorhands at the Sydney Opera House. The Final for under 16s was held at Taronga Zoo's Theatre on 16 June, and compered by Jacinta Tynan of Sky News. There was a large crowd of students, teachers and other invited guests, including some of the other prize-winning students from Sydney (see Results). The questions in the Final covered a large range of topics: cities, world heritage sites, resources, environmental issues, etc. The stimulus material included video footage from National Geographic Channel, photos, maps, and this year real animals – a corn snake and a saltwater crocodile (only a youngster) kindly brought on by Taraonga zoo-keepers. Students were asked definition questions related to their habitat – geography not biology! The result of the Final were very close, with three tie-breakers needed to separate first and second. The results were: Miguel Vera-Cruz, Fort Street High School, Sydney David Giles, Pembroke School, Adelaide Hin Yew Wong, Willetton Senior High School, Perth Miguel received his prize from Ric Burns of National Geographic Channel. As well as a National Geographic Atlas of the World and some money, Miguel wins a place on the Australian team which will compete in the 2009 National Geographic World Championship in Mexico. The other members of the team will be the student who comes first next year, and one of the second-placed students from 2008 or 2009, so David may still make the team. Congratulations to all this year's finalists on their achievements. Matthew Lilley receiving his senior prize from Jacinta Tynan, Sky News Ric Burns, National Geographic Channel, presenting prize to Miguel
Last updated 25 July 2008. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au.  Back to home