Enrichment & Extension
If you are looking to enrich your educational experience at St John’s Regional College, you are strongly encouraged to pursue the following opportunities:
ENGLISH
VATE: 'A Story in Miniature' – 2025 Writing Competition
This year's theme is 'A Story in Miniature,' and we are seeking short, sharp, and polished tales of up to 500 words. Each school may submit up to five entries in each category:
- Years 7 and 8 students
- Years 9 and 10 students
- Years 11 and 12 students
- Teachers
Entries close: Friday 19 September 2025 (last entry by 4pm)
For more information: A Story in Miniature - 2025 writing competition | Victorian Association for the Teaching of English
Insight Creative Writing Competition
“This competition is open to high school students around Australia as we aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future. Entering the competition is free and all entrants will have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes!”
The optional theme for 2025 is: Soulmates.
Competition Closes: Monday 1 September 2025
For more information: 2025 Insight Creative Writing Competition - Insight Publications
HISTORY / HUMANITIES
The National History Challenge
"The National History Challenge is a free research-based competition. It gives students a chance to be historians, researching world history, examining Australia's past, investigating their community, or exploring their own roots. It emphasises and rewards quality research, the use of community resources and effective presentation.
Competition closes: Friday 22 August 2025
For more information: National History Challenge – The National History Challenge for Australian Students
The Simpson Prize
"The Simpson Prize is a civics-based, national research competition for Year 9 and 10 students which focuses on the service of Australians in World War One and World War Two. The 16 winners and runners-up, two from each state and territory, will travel to Canberra to participate in a 3-day study program in March 2026. In April 2026, the 8 winners will travel to an overseas destination for an extensive commemorative study tour culminating in Anzac Day ceremonies at that location."
Submissions for the 2026 Simpson Prize are due on Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
For more information: The Simpson Prize – The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Australian year 9 and 10 students
The Global Youth Forum: Years 9 and 10
"The forum enables students to tackle 21st-century challenges, create innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and foster social cohesion. Through three online sessions and an optional in-person event at the University of Melbourne, Parkville, students will develop collaboration, critical thinking, and leadership skills while presenting real-world projects."
Expressions of Interest: Please email Mr Dias (adias@sjrc.vic.edu.au) by Friday 22 August 2025.
For more information: https://asialink.unimelb.edu.au/education/2025-global-youth-forum-years-9-and-10/
SCIENCE / STEM
Monash Engineering Girls (MEG)
"A community for high school girls interested in maths, science, technology and design."
"Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) is an engagement program designed for young women who want to know about the possibilities of a career in engineering. If you like maths and science, are creative, a problem solver, enjoy working in a team and designing things, engineering might be the perfect career choice for you.”
For more information: Monash Engineering Girls (MEG) - Monash University
Expressions of Interest: Please email any of the following staff
Mr Dias: adias@sjrc.vic.edu.au
Mr Stoforidis: gstoforidis@sjrc.vic.edu.au
Mr Colvin: pgcolvin@sjrc.vic.edu.au