The task

Entries can be presented in the following formats:

  • Research essay (individual)
  • Performance (individual or group)
  • Three-Dimensional model (individual or group)
  • Multi-media (individual or group)

Focus on one key event or issue and include evidence from a primary document. You must use at least one primary document such as a speech or letter to support your entry.

Remember, the National History Challenge rules say that you need to use a variety of primary and secondary sources.

Full competition information including word length, presentation, referencing and registration is available from the National History Challenge website.

Consider the ways you can approach the Challenge

  • Perspectives on events and people can change over time
  • Changing perspectives help build a complex picture of the past
  • Historians change perspectives by re-interpreting evidence

Consider why it’s important…

  • How was the change in perspective important for Australia?
  • What was the significance of the change in perspective for Australia’s democracy?
  • What does it tell us about Australia’s democracy?

Put it into context

  • What was happening in Australia and the world at the time?
  • What were the outcomes or implications of the change in perspective for Australia and the world?
  • Are there links to contemporary issues?
  • Does it have continuing relevance to today?

Use at least one primary document in your research

  • Clearly describe the document
  • What is it?
  • Where is it from?
  • How is it relevant to the theme?
  • Consider: does the document tell the whole story or is it biased?
  • Use the document along with secondary sources to give evidence supporting your entry

The National History Challenge is a research-based competition for students. More information is available on the National History Challenge site.

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