Information for Schools
It is too late to enter the 2012 Competition. This information is retained here for students and schools who have already entered, and because the information will remain largely the same next year.
Why enter?
For teachers: to promote interest in geography in your school, to reward student excellence, and the chance to win a prize for your school.
For students: to compete for great prizes ‒ overseas trips to next year’s National Geographic World Championship and International Geography Olympiad, trips to Sydney and Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, books, medals ‒ and to get certificates for their portfolios.
What’s the format?
The Competition is made up of multiple-choice questions testing geographical knowledge and skills. We supply the questions and answer sheets. You run the 35-minute Competition and return the answer sheets. We mark them and send back results and certificates.
Based on the results of the Competition in schools, students are selected to represent their State or the combined Territories (ACT, NT and External Territories) at the Final for under 16s or Geography’s Big Week Out for older students. From these events, students win places in the Australian teams to the National Geographic World Championship and International Geography Olympiad respectively.
Who can enter?
Students taking geography, or an integrated social science which includes geography, may enter. Students are graded at three levels depending on their age on 31 August 2012 ‒ junior for students 13 and under; intermediate for students 14 and 15 years old; senior for students 16 to 18 years old. The Competition is targeted at all Years in secondary school, but primary schools are welcome to enter.
When do the important components happen?
| Late entries are being accepted | Enter NOW |
| Mon 26 March - Wed 4 April | Competition in schools |
| Thurs 5 April | Deadline to post answers |
| early May | Finalists under 16 notified |
| early June | Results returned |
| Mon 18 June | Final for under 16s |
| Sun 30 September - Fri 5 October | Geography’s Big Week Out |
How does a school enter?
- Publicise and promote the Competition; download the flyers (one for students and one for teachers) or find the hard copies posted to your school.
- Collect $3.00 entry fee from each participating student (if students are paying individually).
- Enter online or post us the entry form by Wednesday 29 February.
Any questions?
The FAQs contain more specific information on the Competition. Teachers, particularly those new to the Competition, need to read through them. If the answer is not there, contact Kath Berg, email admin@rgsq.org.au or phone 07 3368 2066.
