Pupils reach new heights

Geography students from The Belvedere Academy became record breakers when they took part in the world’s biggest data mapping event.

The project, supported by the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) in conjunction with Esri UK, involved geography students from the 24 GDST schools and two academies plot location data on a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) map alongside answers to questions about life in their local area.

In total, over 11,500 students took part, including 200 from the Belvedere Academy and is a new Esri world record.
The event was organised by GDST / Royal High School Bath geography teacher, Raphael Heath.

Having received confirmation of the world record, he said: “This is a fantastic achievement which wouldn’t have been possible without the support of pupils from The Belvedere Academy.

“Just like the world around us, geography teaching is constantly evolving. By inputting their own data, students were able to see how their location and viewpoints form part of a wider pattern. We’re all connected – GIS mapping helps us see that.”

In addition to anonymously plotting their own location, students were asked questions about their quality of life and local environment, all of which were inputted on a live, online map.

Once all the data has been submitted, students will be able to use online GIS mapping applications to examine the patterns which emerge.

They will also be able to compare these results with other sources, for example the UK Census data, to explore why there may be variations in quality of life in different parts of the country.
Jason Sawle from Esri UK, said: “I would like to congratulate Mr Heath and all the students who were involved in this world record.

“It is a fantastic achievement that just goes to show how useful and informative GIS mapping data can be.”
The live map, which includes data from students around the world, can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/1H8UlNG