Young Geographer of the Year 2025: Understanding Islands

This year’s Young Geographer of the Year competition invites students to explore the fascinating world of islands, a theme full of discovery and challenge.

With nearly 670,000 islands across the globe and around 11,000 permanently inhabited, islands offer a unique lens through which to study geography. Their landscapes and coastlines vary dramatically, from volcanic mountains to lush vegetation and distinctive wildlife. 

Students are encouraged to create an eye-catching, creative, and informative A3 poster (or a digital Esri StoryMap for Key Stage 5) that explores what makes islands special. Your work should cover:

• Years 7–9: Choose at least two islands and explore their locations, unique physical features, people, places and environments. Consider how these islands connect through geographical themes, challenges and solutions.
   

• Years 10–11: Explore at least three islands, comparing their geographical themes, similarities and differences.
   

• Years 12–13: Produce a poster or StoryMap examining multiple islands, focusing on shared themes, similarities and differences.
   

Islands face a range of challenges, including threats from climate change and socio-economic, cultural and historical issues experienced by their inhabitants. By understanding these challenges, students can unlock rich geographical insights and connections.

Your poster can be handmade or created using software such as PowerPoint, Word, or Publisher, but remember to pay close attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The deadline for submission is 3rd October 2025.

We look forward to seeing your creativity and geographical knowledge shine as you explore the diverse and captivating world of islands!