The Two Counties Trust hosted its second annual Antarctic flag competition. TTCT worked in alongside the UK Polar network to encourage KS3 students from across the trust to design a flag for the Antarctic. Participating schools submitted their best flags to the trust to determine an overall winner. Congratulations to Katie P in year 9 from Springwell. She was this year’s overall winner. The top three flags from each school were sent to UK polar network, who pair flags from schools with researchers and station staff that are heading down to Antarctica for the Austral Summer (November-January). The flags are then transported all the way to Antarctica with these “flag bearers”, and proof of travel with a certificate and photos of their journey will be sent to the schools upon the flag bearers’ return.
Alongside creativity, our schools incorporated aspects of Antarctica into their lessons so that TTCT children learn about the importance of Antarctic. In many ways the values of the TTCT are reflected in the aims of the Antarctic treaty.
International Cooperation (Teamwork): One of the primary aims of the Antarctic Treaty is to promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica. The treaty designates Antarctica as a zone of international cooperation, emphasising the importance of collaboration among nations for scientific research and exploration. This reflects the value of teamwork, as multiple countries work together to conduct research and share resources.
Peaceful Purposes (Honesty): The Antarctic Treaty prohibits any military activity, including nuclear testing and the establishment of military bases. This commitment to peaceful purposes reflects a value of honesty and transparency among the signatory nations. By banning military activities, the treaty fosters an environment of trust and openness.
Scientific Research (Ambition): The treaty encourages scientific research in Antarctica, emphasising the ambitious pursuit of knowledge. It recognises the value of understanding the region for the benefit of all humankind. The commitment to scientific ambition aligns with the shared goal of expanding human knowledge and contributing to the well-being of the global community.
Environmental Protection (Teamwork and Honesty): Subsequent agreements, such as the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, highlight the importance of protecting the Antarctic environment. This involves cooperative efforts to minimise human impact and address environmental challenges. The values of teamwork and honesty are crucial in managing and mitigating the environmental risks associated with human activities in Antarctica.
