Park High Flag entries make it to Antarctica
We are very excited to share that our Park High entry to the UK Polar Network’s Antarctica Day flag competition made it to Antarctica!
During Autumn Term our Year 8 geography students had been studying Antarctica, they learn about the importance of Antarctica as a symbol of international cooperation through science, and the 1959 Antarctic Treaty that encapsulated this belief. Our Year 8 Students then had the opportunity to take part in the “Design a flag for Antarctica” competition - as it does not have its own – using the knowledge they have learnt, to create a colourful and eye-catching flag that would represent Antarctica and Geography.
We were very impressed with the quality of the entries and the creativity that many of our Year 8 students showed. Congratulations to all students on their participation in this unique competition.
The above 8 winning flags were then sent off to UK Polar Network’s national to be taken to Antarctica and displayed as part of a research mission. The ‘flagship’ international outreach project, pairs schools with scientists and support personnel travelling to Antarctica, who carry copies of flags designed by students to fly on the continent, returning photos and certificates to the schools upon the conclusion of their expeditions. This is an annual competition run by UK Polar Network’s national, with the aim of inspiring new generations about the Antarctic and Antarctica Day.
The project takes place as a celebration of Antarctica Day, which marks the signing of the Antarctic Treaty on December 1st 1959, a document declaring that Antarctica would be off limits to military activity and setting it aside as a place for peace and scientific discoveries. Since 2010, December 1st has been celebrated each year to mark this milestone of peace and to inspire future decisions.
Our Flag was taken by Dr. Liam O'Brien, BAS Medical Unit, who volunteered to take our Flag to Grytviken, South Georgia. Photo's taken are in front of the old Harpoon Jetty, looking out into King Edward Cove, with the RRS Sir David Attenborough berthed alongside King Edward Point Research Station in the background and aboard HMS David Attenborough.
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If you are interested in reading more about the UK Polar Network, please visit their website: