Australia’s brightest young historians recognised

The first world war was a terrible period generally and the worst year was probably 2017, an idea which the 16 winners and runners-up in the 2018 Simpson Prize, one of the country’s most prestigious history competitions, explored this year.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Karen Andrews welcomed the 16 winners and runners-up in the 2018 Simpson Prize to Canberra and presented them with their medallions and certificates.

This year’s winners were selected from 1134 entries from Year 9 and 10 students and while in Canberra the students will participate in a number of visits to cultural institutions, including the Australian War Memorial.

The eight winners will also soon depart for a once in a life-time opportunity to attend ANZAC commemorations and visit the scene of key WW1 battlefields in France and Belgium.

Minister for Veterans Affairs Darren Chester said; “Some of the entries investigated important topics including the economic impacts of war, patriotism, the loss and grief felt back in Australia and famous battles such as the battle of Passchendaele,” Minister Chester said.

“Their entries demonstrated a deep understanding of the ANZAC tradition and its importance to our national identity.

“All of today’s winners have shown themselves to be excellent young historians with a well-researched and sophisticated understanding of this significant time in Australia’s history.”

The Turnbull Government has committed $606,000 over three years to support the History Teachers’ Association of Australia ongoing management of the Simpson Prize.

For more information on the Simpson Prize, go to: www.simpsonprize.org.