The National History Challenge gives students a chance to be historians by researching and examining Australia’s past, while also emphasising and rewarding quality research among other criterion-based factors. In 2025, six Carey Year 12 students from the VCE Australian History class, two Year 9 students and one Year 7 student entered the competition.
We’re thrilled to share that two of our exceptional students were recognised in the National History Challenge Awards, which Carey proudly hosted last week.
Year 12 student Miller received accolades in two categories in the state level, and his essay went to national judging where he was awarded Young Historian Gold in the category of Australian Wartime Experiences, receiving a medal and $300 prize money. Additionally, he was awarded Young Historian Silver in his category for Year 11 and 12 students. His research essay discussed, ‘the ways in which the participation to enlist and the opportunity to serve in war and conflicts as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was resolved for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and women between 1950 and 1992’. In his own words, Miller explains how he wove his research into the 2025 theme of Conflict and Resolution:
‘I chose to discuss the roles of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the ADF, as I was interested in learning about their experiences of conflict and the resolutions of their personal conflicts. Conflict and Resolution were central to the history of the ADF as it reminds us of the past mistakes and discriminatory actions that were made against minority groups who are now seen as vital and respected within Australia. I linked my writing to the topic by focussing on the experiences of said groups as a part of the ADF within their working lives and deployment roles. I conducted my research through analysing the arguments of notable historians, namely Noah Riseman and other primary resources.’
Additionally, Year 7 student Aaron, with an avid interest in World War II history, was awarded Young Historian Silver, in the category of Australian Wartime Experiences, building on his Year 6 success from 2024. His essay, ‘From Desert Siege to National Legacy: The Conflict and Resolution of Tobruk’, highlighted factors which led to the siege of Tobruk on 10 April 1941, and included examples of bravery, tenacity and the enduring mateship of the Australian soldiers. Aaron’s claim that, ‘at Tobruk, Australia didn’t just hold a port, it forged a nation’, was backed up by his analysis of pertinent historical sources.
At Carey, we have been successfully entering students into the competition since 2021; however, this was the first time one of our students was recognised in two categories. The award presentation, held in the Carey Chapel, saw a total of 250 people in attendance and 70 students from Year 3 to Year 12 from across the state received awards. It was a positive and encouraging sign that History education is actively being embraced by many young people throughout our education system.
Jo Leech
Senior School History Teacher
Julia Thiele
Talent Development Co-ordinator
