The National Schools Geology Challenge is a competition where students showcase their interest in geology, learn more about the way geoscience impacts our lives, and put their teamwork and presentation skills to the test!
Participants don’t have to study geology to enter – the competition is open to any interested students who are currently studying geology, geography or science A-levels (England/Wales/Northern Ireland), or Advanced Highers (Scotland).
The 2021 Challenge will take place entirely virtually. Schools returning from previous years will notice some changes this year, which will make the competition more accessible, dynamic and engaging than ever.
How to enter
The competition runs in two stages: the Qualifiers and the Final.
In order to enter the competition, students need to make a submission to the Qualifiers. Their submission should fit the competition brief, and be uploaded via the Society website. Entries will be marked by a panel of judges. Submissions must be made by 12 February 2021.
The 10 highest-scoring entries will be invited to the Final, where they will complete a problem-solving challenge in their teams. The Final will take place on 18 March 2021.
For full details on how to enter, please see the competition rules. Please note that the extended deadline for submissions is now 12 February 2021.
Why enter the Challenge?
The competition gives pupils the chance to explore a geoscience topic for themselves, and present it in an interesting way. Those who make it to the Final will be able to meet peers with an interest in Geology, professionals who currently work in geoscience careers, and gain valuable problem-solving skills whilst learning about the ways geology weaves into our everyday lives. Of course, there are also some amazing prizes up for grabs!
Prizes
Competition winners will receive:
- A trophy
- A certificate for each team member
- £200 to use towards geoscience education in their school
- A year’s Fellowship to the Geological Society
The team which places as runner up will receive:
- A certificate for each team member
- £100 to use towards geoscience education in their school
Need help?
If you have any questions about the competition, you can contact education@geolsoc.org.uk.
Get feedback on your work!
Our Regional Groups are here to help. If you would like some feedback on your work before you submit, you can email a mentor from your nearest Regional Group:
Gemma Sherwood (Western Regional Group) gs6912@hotmail.co.uk
Gavin Bell (East Anglia Regional Group) gavin.bell@rsa-geotechnics.co.uk
Owen Lokuciejewski-Taylor (Yorkshire Regional Group) Owen.Taylor@jpg.group
Catherine Kenny (North West Regional Group) geologicalsociety.northwest@gmail.com