Two teachers recognised with OS Award

Honours presented at Royal Geographical Society’s 2023 Medal and Awards

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Both teachers received awards for excellence in geography education at secondary level.

The annual Royal Geographical Society’s 2023 Medal and Awards have honoured two teachers, Ellie Barker and Simon Holland, with the Ordnance Survey (OS) Award.

Simon Holland
RGS award winner Simon Holland

The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s prestigious medal and awards recognise excellence in geographical research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement. They are presented annually to individuals who have made outstanding achievements and contributions to geography.

OS sponsors two RGS awards for excellence in geography education at secondary level.

"It is great to recognise the amazing work and dedication of teachers across the country who share their passion of geography. Both Ellie and Simon are worthy winners of the award. Geography provides lifelong skills that are fundamental to solving some of today’s biggest challenges. That’s why in addition to the RGS Awards, we also support schools and teachers to ensure that through our Digimap for Schools programme, more students are able to access and gain geographical awareness and increase their understanding of the world through maps."

David Henderson, Chief Geospatial Officer, OS said:
RGS Award winner Ellie Barker
RGS award winner Ellie Barker

Ellie Barker, founder of the Curious Geographer platform, said: “I am so grateful to even be nominated for this award! I just wanted to thank all of the amazing academics and geographers who have contributed to The Curious Geographer’s platform to make geography accessible to all.”

Simon Holland, Head of Faculty for Geography at Bilborough Sixth Form College in Nottingham, added: “I am deeply honoured to receive this RGS Ordnance Survey Award. Geography is an amazing, engaging, empowering and ever-changing subject which opens so many doors for young people. It is a real privilege to teach the subject I love every day and share my genuine passion with so many students over the last 18 years of my career. Without Geography you are nowhere!”

This year, RGS’s Medal and Awards recognise 23 outstanding people and organisations for their notable contributions to geography. For more information visit Royal Geographical Society - 2022 Awards (rgs.org).

Free education resources

For more information on free education resources visit the Digimap for Schools website.


Ordnance Survey
By Ordnance Survey

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