Geography students on top of the world

Seven public school students have solidified themselves as the best in the state for their respective year groups in this year’s Australian Geography Competition.

The contest, held in May, assessed secondary students on their geographical knowledge and skills through online multiple-choice questions. 

Students were graded by school year levels, with outstanding students winning prizes and certificates. Medals were awarded to those ranked first in Australia. 

The top students in Year 11 in each state are also invited to participate in this month’s annual Geography’s Big Week Out, a five-day event focusing on fieldwork, spatial technologies, and analytical skills. 

Perth Modern School students Benjamin Bauer and Heidi Gstaettner are among the 16 high-scoring aspiring geographers who will venture to Canberra and Jindabyne for this year’s experience. 

Four students from this group will be selected to represent their country at the 2025 International Geography Olympiad in Bangkok, Thailand. 

For more information, visit the Australian Geography Competition website.

These students came first or equal first in Western Australia in their respective year levels in the 2024 Australian Geography Competition: 

Year 7 

Ethan Tran, Perth Modern School 

Year 8 

Martha Merlas, Willetton Senior High School 

Year 9 

Mihin Henkanaththegedara, Harrisdale Senior High School 

Year 10 

Kiet Jones, Shenton College 

Year 11 

Benjamin Bauer, Perth Modern School