On Thursday, our school community came together for a cherished Brookwood tradition: the annual GeoBee. This year’s competition began in classrooms across grades 5 through 8, where students answered a series of challenging geography questions to determine two finalists from each grade. These eight finalists then advanced to the all-school GeoBee, a five-part competition held during School Meeting, where they demonstrated their knowledge of places near and far.
This year’s eight finalists—Rowan and Faraz (Grade 5), Annie and Hannah (Grade 6), Gabi and Eve (Grade 7), and Oliver and Teddy (Grade 8)—showed impressive geographical knowledge under pressure. After several rounds of competition, the final two came down to Faraz and Oliver, with Oliver ultimately securing first place. It was a fantastic display of curiosity, perseverance, and intellectual engagement, and we are so proud of all the students who participated.
As a longtime social studies teacher, I have always believed that geography is more than just maps and place names—it is a way of understanding the world. Geography shapes cultures, conflicts, and economies, revealing the intricate ways in which people and places interact. Even here at Brookwood, our surroundings influence our students' experiences in ways both subtle and profound. Place-based learning is embedded in our curriculum, encouraging students to engage with the natural and historical landscapes around them and fostering a deeper appreciation for the world beyond our campus.
Brookwood has a strong legacy of geography education, a tradition shaped by remarkable educators like Susie Kinder, who taught here for many decades. Generations of Brookwood students will remember the rite of passage she established: drawing a world map—entirely from memory—labeling continents, countries, cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and oceans. While many found this task daunting at the time, countless alumni have expressed gratitude for the strong foundation in geography she provided.
Brookwood’s commitment to geography goes beyond competitions; it is woven into the way we encourage students to think critically about the world and their place in it. Whether through experiences like the GeoBee, place-based learning, or the deep curiosity instilled by dedicated educators, our students develop a global awareness that will serve them well beyond their time here.
Warmly,
Jon
