Prize Weekend Highlights
The 2011 Finalists Liam at Fort Denison (l to r) Ben, Michael and John being breathalysed before climbing the Harbour Bridge (reading=0) Lewis climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Do I have to do this? David R in "make-up", getting ready for the filming of the Final.	The 2011 National Final for under 16s was held in Sydney on 6 June. The eight state and territory finalists were determined by the results of the school round, held in March. Competing in the National Final were: David Gardiner (NSW), Michael Gu (Vic), Liam Kearney (WA), Ben McDonald (Tas), John McMichael (SA), David Robertson (National Runner-up), Lewis Rosenberg (ACT) and Jesse Tong (Qld). The Finalists spent the previous weekend in Sydney. The programme included climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge (surely the highpoint!), and exploring Fort Denison and the historic Rocks area. The Final coincided with the Vivid Sydney Festival, so the students also saw the spectacular light shows and installations around the Circular Quay area. The Final was held at the Foxtel Television Centre, and filmed and broadcast on National Geographic Channel. It was compered by ex-Temptation host Ed Phillips, in front of a packed audience of students, teachers and other invited guests. The questions in the Final covered a large range of topics, including rounds of questions linked to the International Year of Forests, the recent spate of severe natural disasters, and the Arab Spring. The stimulus material included video footage from National Geographic Channel, photos and maps. The results of the Final were: Michael Gu, Melbourne Grammar School Jesse Tong, Brisbane Grammar School Liam Kearney, Christ Church Grammar School, Perth Michael and Jesse won places on the Australian team which competed in the 2011 National Geographic World Championship, held in San Francisco, 23-28 July. The third member of Australia's team to the World Championship was the 2010 winner, Riley Kernaghan from MacGregor State High School, Brisbane. Congratulations to all this year's finalists on their fine achievements. (l to r) David G, Jesse, John and Ben during a break in the Final Karen Simoncini (National Geographic Channel) congratulating Michael on his win Jesse receiving part of his prize from Ed Phillips
Last updated 28 August 2011. For more information email admin@rgsq.org.au.  Back to home