More than 1000 students have taken part in the 2019 Premier’s ANZAC Spirit School Prize competition, with 16 Years 9 and 10 students, including CYS’s Sophie Baker, selected to attend a 14-day study tour to Vietnam later this year.
Researching the ANZAC spirit
The Premier’s ANZAC Sprit School Prize provides the opportunity for young South Australians to examine and empathise with the remarkable sacrifices of South Australian service men and women during the 20th century. The competition involves students researching a South Australian service man or woman who served during World War 1 or 2. Students also had to discuss how the individual they researched demonstrated the characteristics of the ANZAC spirit. Student work was judged by the depth of research involved and the written quality of the piece.
Premier’s congratulations
Premier Steven Marshall congratulated the 16 students on their achievement.
“The Premier’s ANZAC Spirit School Prize competition provides the opportunity for young South Australians to identify, examine and articulate the nature of commitment and in many cases the sacrifices of Australian service men and women,” said Premier Marshall.
Education Minister John Gardner said students travelling to Vietnam will have a life-changing opportunity to delve deeper into history through the study tour.
“This year will once again see recipients of the prize travel to Vietnam, allowing them to participate in commemoration activities and a variety of hands on learning experiences as they travel throughout the country,” said Minister Gardner.
“This trip is a life changing opportunity for these 16 students, allowing them to continue to build their understanding, empathy and global perspective.”
CYS dual win
As part of the Premier’s Anzac Spirit Schools Prize teachers are eligible to apply as a teacher chaperone for the students attending Vietnam tour. The application process involved writing a 1000 word essay explaining the reasons for wanting to accompany the students on the tour as well as outlining teaching experience, expertise on excursion management and responsibility, interpersonal skills with students and evidence of expertise in historical inquiry. A statement of endorsement from the principal and a referee was also required. Lauren was fortunate enough to be selected as one of three teachers who will accompany these students on their tour.
It is the aim that this prize becomes a regular component of the Year 9 English and HASS curriculum. Lauren is very proud of the hard work that all Year 9 students have demonstrated in their research and writing of their essays. Students have researched local South Australians, some of whom are relatives, which has ensured that our local history is preserved for future generations.
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