One of the state’s smallest and most geographically isolated schools has won a prestigious competition that showcases the lives of rural and remote students.

Clare Public School is one of the 15 public schools that has won a share of $25,000 as part of the department’s ‘Looking through our window’ rural and remote photo competition.

As part of the competition public schools were invited to submit up to 10 photos in a story celebrating the unique perspectives and unusual features of learning in a rural and remote education setting.

There were five categories with the winning school in each receiving $2,500 with $1,500 and $1,000 awarded for second and third place.

The prize money will be shared between the winning schools for projects to improve their school environments. Student representative groups at each school will decide how the money will be best spent.

Clare Public School, in far western NSW, was awarded first place in the small schools category for its photo collection telling the story of what it’s like to live in the tiny, remote community.

The school of just six students is one of the most geographically isolated schools in NSW, experiencing a harsh environment ravaged by severe drought and extreme weather events, including dust storms and cyclonic winds.

Corowa High School in the southern Riverina came first place in the high school category with the judges commenting on the professional quality of the photos that showcased the many curriculum and extracurricular activities offered to students at the school.

More than 180 entries were received from 129 schools with several schools given an honourable mention for their creativity in showcasing the great things about rural and remote education.

Winners

Small schools category

First place: Clare Public School

Second place: Goolgowi Public School

Third place: Hampton Public School

Primary school category

First place: Taree West Public

Second place: Narrabri Public School

Third place: Yass Public School

Central schools category

First place: Bingara Central School

Equal second: Balranald Central School

Equal second: Bowraville Central School

High school category

First place: Corowa High School

Second place: Coonabarabran High School

Third place: Narrabri High School

Other school types category

First place: Bourke-Walgett School of Distance Education

Second place: Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre

Third place: Snowy Valleys SSP