Southland Social Science Fair - 21st edition

📅 On 16 June, Amy McStay and Cathy Macfie had the delightful but challenging task of choosing winners from the Heritage Category of the Social Sciences Fair entries.

🔍 We looked for entries that showed a clear purpose and methodology — that went beyond simple ‘googling’ and demonstrated first‑hand investigation.

💬 We loved entries revealing a personal connection to the topic, with interviews, artefacts, and artwork that captured our interest.

✨ The overall standard was high, but some stood out for their care and eye for presentation detail. We were particularly impressed by the calibre of entries from the younger Year 5–6 (10–11 years) students.

📸 Photo's left:
L; Heritage South Chair, Cathy Macfie with Lloyd Esler who has been running the Social Sciences Fair for over 20 years.
R; Heritage South Trustee, Amy McStay with the winning heritage entry

Results from this years fair ~ Heritage Section

🥇 Heritage South’s first prize for the Heritage section went to Eve Jordan (Hauroko School) for her entry Woodlands Stables. The topic’s level of detail — including a floor plan — won praise from Amy’s professional eye. Both she and Cathy enjoyed the personal context and outstanding presentation featuring artefacts.

🎉 We’re thrilled that Eve also came 1st Overall in Years 5–6 for her entry. Awesome work, Eve! 📸

🥈 Equal second prizes went to Ngārimu Pene (Years 5–6 Homeschool) for Te Tiriti Today and Gemma Oliver (Years 5–6 Waihopai School) for My Family’s Connection to Waihopai. Both entries were well‑researched from a personal perspective and showed flair and imagination in their presentation. 📷

🏰 We also highlighted entries from Emily Frew (Limehills School) — The Middle of Somewhere — and Navy Tremayne (Waihopai School) — Earnscleugh Castle — and were delighted that they were both awarded 1st place in the Best Place in Southland and Buildings categories.

👏 Congratulations to you all!

Image above: Equal second prize winners and highlighted entries