The South Australian Geography Photo Competition 2024 is an exciting opportunity for students in Years 7-9 to step outside and view South Australia through a geographical lens.
As technology has evolved to include faster and more efficient modes of communication and transportation, once distant parts of the world have moved closer together in time. Being part of an increasingly interconnected world influences what we buy, the environment we live in and the quality of life of every person on the planet. In South Australia our trade, migration, tourism, festivals, businesses and culture are all shaped by the connections we have with people and places around the world.
The theme of this year’s competition is Globally Connected.
frequently asked questions
What is the South Australian Geography Photo Competition?
The competition is run by the Geography Teachers’ Association of South Australia (GTASA) and aims to encourage students in Years 7-9 to step outside, notice the area around them and photograph an aspect of Geography in South Australia.
Students submit one photo which they took themselves in South Australia, alongside a caption (max. 100 words) which describes the photo and its connection to the theme of the competition.
What is this year’s theme?
The 2024 theme is “Globally Connected”. As technology has evolved to include faster and more efficient modes of communication and transportation, once distant parts of the world have moved closer together in time. Being part of an increasingly interconnected world influences what we buy, the environment we live in and the quality of life of every person on the planet. In South Australia our trade, migration, tourism, festivals, businesses and culture are all shaped by the connections we have with people and places around the world.
The photo should represent the entrants’ local area (neighbourhood, suburb or place visited elsewhere in South Australia) as a place influenced by its connections with other parts of the world.
How does the theme relate to the Australian Curriculum for Geography?
This theme links closely to the Australian Curriculum version 9.0 for Year 9 Geography, which explores the interconnections between people, places and environments (Geographies of Interconnections). The theme also links to Year 8 Geography’s study of the connections between cultural diversity of places and international migration (Changing Nations).
Why should you promote the competition?
● To encourage interest in Geography at your school.
● To provide an opportunity for students to compete against other students in a state-wide competition.
● This is a ready-made homework task for a Geography/HASS class in Year 7-9.
How will entries be judged?
Each photo and accompanying caption (100 words max.) will be judged against three criteria:
● Relevance: does the photo illustrate change?
● Originality: is the photo unusual or thoughtful?
● Composition: does the photo provide a clear perspective?
This year’s competition judges are:
David Mariuz: Award-winning professional photographer whose work spans the media, sport, finance and the arts. Notably, he captured iconic images that went around Australia and the world during the Kangaroo Island bushfires.
Simon Miller: GTASA President
Chris Bright: Geography and Business Faculty Leader, Emmaus Christian College
How do schools enter?
Each school can enter between 1 and 5 entries. Students’ photos and accompanying captions should be submitted by teachers using this Google Form by Friday 6th September 2024.
What is the prize?
There are no separate year level categories. The following prizes will be awarded:
Winner - $100
Two runners-up - $50 each
Photos that reach the final shortlist will be framed and displayed inside the Institute Building of the State Library on North Terrace, Adelaide in a public exhibition dedicated to the competition during Term 4.
When does the competition close?
Entries for the competition close on Friday 6th September. This will allow the competition to be promoted at your school in Semester 1 and/or 2 depending on when is most appropriate for your context.