Entries for the Lynette Russell Prize for First Peoples' History in Schools are now closed.
The prize will be awarded based on a project that displays knowledge, engagement and creativity, taking into consideration the year level of the student/s. The project submitted may take any form: written, visual, digital or performative. It may be a project or work completed in class or outside of class as an additional activity.
Examples might include:
- School gardening program that follows a First Nations’ seasonal calendar and weather knowledge.
- Projects that focus on First Peoples' lives and events.
- Exploration of school’s activities around Reconciliation.
Award
The prize will consist of a cash payment of $500 and a certificate. The use of the prize will be determined by the teacher or Koori Engagement Support Officer, as appropriate, in consultation with students.
Winners will also be recognised with acknowledgement via the HCV’s publications and social media, and a year-long membership of the Friends of the HCV.
The prize was established by Professor Lynette Russell AM to encourage the creative engagement and deeper knowledge of a wider number of primary and secondary school students in this area.
Resources
Possible resources can be found here:
Aboriginal Change Makers Y7-10 resource
A preview of the application form can be viewed here Form Preview
Terms and conditions
The prize will be awarded at the discretion of the judging panel (as outlined under ‘Selection process’ below). The prize could be awarded to an individual student, a group of students or a class in years F-10 for a project that focusses on Australian First Peoples.
Eligibility
Applicants must be undertaking their schooling in Victoria.
Nominations
Students, groups or classes will be nominated by their educators or Koori Engagement Support Officer as appropriate. Applications are required to provide:
- a digital or hard copy of the project or, if that is not possible, a detailed description and samples.
- a completed entry form listing name, contact details, signature and date. The closing date for applications is 31 July each year.
Selection process
The Schools Prize for First Peoples’ History will be administered by a judging panel of three members with expertise in education and appointed by the Board of the HCV, consisting of a Board member as chair and including at least one First Nations person. The decision of the panel will be final.
The HCV welcomes enquiries from individuals and organisations that wish to sponsor awards and prizes in areas relating to history and the work of historians.
The HCV also welcomes donations at any time. All contributions help to support our work towards achieving our cultural purposes. Donations over $2 are deductible for Australian tax-payers.