2022 Simpson Prize 

The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Australian Year 9 and 10 students, that focuses on the service of Australians in World War I. The entries were due November 4th this year for the 2023 judging. The College could submit up to three essays into this competition. The preparation and research for the essay was relevant to class work in Term 4 Year 9 History and the successful entries were also submitted as the student’s assessable task - in lieu of their final history assessment - meeting both competition and curriculum requirements.

The 2023 Simpson Prize Question was: 

How significant was Australia’s contribution to the Allied military victory on the Western Front in 1918?

The Simpson Prize requires students to respond to the question in 1200-1500 words, using both the Simpson Prize Australian War Memorial Source Selection and students’ own research. The girls were encouraged to discuss and respond to the question from a variety of perspectives, both individual and national using a variety of sources. They were expected to make effective use of a minimum of four of the sources provided, but up to half of the response should also have made use of information drawn from students’ own knowledge and research. The girls worked independently of their classes with minimal teacher assistance (as per entry requirements).

Fives students from Mount Alvernia submitted essays this year and we commend their initiative, independence and commitment in taking part in this competition. Unfortunately, only three entries per school are permitted and the choice was most difficult to make.

The College congratulates our five participants: Isabella Bonaventura, Liliana Lech, Emmaline O’Sullivan, Katie Perkins and Acacia Stockermans.