Leeds Beckett sponsors local school student at this year's International Geography Olympiad

George Breckenridge, a year 12 student from Roundhay School Sixth form, was placed 22^nd out of 173 competitors at the annual competition which challenges the best 16 to 19-year-old geography students from across the globe, held this year in Beijing.

Awarded a sponsorship fund of £500 from the School of Built Environment and Engineering at Leeds Beckett University, George was one of four UK students (chosen from tens of thousands worldwide) to take part in the competition which tests students in a series of written, multimedia and fieldwork geography tests over a period of four to five days.

Speaking about the funding, Professor Farzad Khosrowshahi, Dean of School, said: “George was awarded the £500 sponsorship fund after he wrote to me asking if the School would help support his trip financially. Unlike other countries, the UK students incur high participation costs with no financial support, thus it is necessary for them to source funding via alternative means.

“George’s achievement in China is excellent news.  It has given us added impetus to recognise the potential out there in the local schools and colleges. This will definitely be a springboard for us to establish a fruitful relationship with them and explore various collaborative activities, such as joint student projects and social events."

Speaking about the experience, George said: “It was amazing.  First and foremost, I was travelling to mount a challenge to the world title and prove that UK competitors can succeed even at the highest level; the UK team were placed ninth out of 45 teams – the best ever ranking for a UK team.

“As an aspiring academic, walking into an exam room to represent your country alongside people who are the best in the world at what you do is a unique and special feeling that has really inspired me to study harder and learn more.  At the end, to be ranked World number 22, narrowly missing out on the best ever finish for a British student, surpassed all my personal targets.

“I am immensely grateful to the University for providing such generous financial support to a local student - it really made a difference to the affordability of my participation. I am also thankful for the opportunity to use the University’s library resources - which I made extensive use of throughout my preparations.”

The Olympiad provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the geographical skills and understandings of a country's geography students, as well as reward student excellence. The programme facilitates cultural exchange and a chance for students to explore the host city.