Joint media release with the Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Alan Griffin was pleased to present the awards for the winners of the 2009 National History Challenge at Parliament House in Canberra today.
The National History Challenge is a competition that encourages students in Years 5–12 to discover more about Australia and its past whilst developing skills in historical research and inquiry. Students can present their research in a variety of ways, including essays, museum displays, performances and multimedia presentations.
The theme of this year’s Challenge was Triumph over Adversity and project topics ranged from Australia’s involvement in World War I, migrant experiences of Polish Jews and the lives of characters such as John Curtin, John Monash and Ned Kelly.
Minister Griffin presented the Year Level awards for years 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, as well as the Young Historian Award for each State and Territory.
Minister Griffin also announced the overall 2009 National Young Historian of the Year Award, which went to Alix Biggs of Canberra Girls' Grammar School for her essay entitled The Obstacles overcome by Australia’s Japanese war brides.
Ministers Griffin and Gillard sincerely congratulate Alix and all winners and participants in the 2009 National History Challenge.
The Australian Government has provided funding of $115 000 to the History Teachers’ Association of Australia (HTAA) for the 2009 National History Challenge under the Civics and Citizenship Education Program.
Minister Griffin said at the presentation today that the Government has committed to the development of a rigorous, world-class national curriculum for all Australian students from kindergarten to Year 12, beginning with the key learning areas of English, Mathematics, Science and History.
The Australian Curriculum, Reporting and Assessment Authority (ACARA) is currently drafting the History curriculum, with extensive consultation. This will see History given a more prominent and consistent role across the years of schooling.
More information about the National History Challenge, including a list of winners is available at www.historychallenge.com.au