A HELSBY High School student has been named ‘Young Geographer of the Year’ by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
Boe Kilshaw won the title in the 16-18 years category of the competition, which is designed to encourage young people to engage with geographical issues.
Hundreds of pupils from schools across the UK and internationally entered the competition which asked them to explore the question ‘Where, how and why?’ by asking them where they want to travel to, how they would get there, and why they want to travel there.
Boe chose Iceland.
Professor Joe Smith, director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), who judged the 16-18 years category said: “In a very competitive field this piece on Iceland made very smart use of the potential held in the software, including integration of the survey tool. The reader is taught concepts but by stealth. The evident enthusiasm for geography and the charisma of Iceland as a place springs from the screen.”
Professor Smith added: “We were extremely impressed by the overwhelming quality of entries to this year’s competition, with hundreds of pupils taking part from across the UK and beyond.
“We were looking for – and found – original entries showing how sustainability was at the forefront of our entrants’ minds when thinking about travel today. Understanding environmental change but also connecting to others whether near or far were consistent themes.
“Geography plays a crucial role in our understanding of place and space, and we’re delighted to see so many submissions cleverly reflect how travelling with purpose can enrich our lives and help us to better understand the world by widening our geographical horizons. The standard was exceptionally high, and the work was produced in a thoughtful and knowledgeable way. Congratulations to the winners and all who took part. We know that they all have bright geographical futures ahead.”
All winners and highly commended pupils were presented with a certificate and bag of geographical prizes.
Picture shows Professor Smith with Boe Kilshaw, winner, and other students who were “highly commended” in the 16-18 years category.
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