The Simpson Prize FAQs
A helpful Q&A list of the most common queries we receive about the Simpson Prize:
How much does it cost to enter the Simpson Prize?
It’s FREE to enter the Simpson Prize.
For more information visit simpsonprize.org.
Who can enter the Simpson Prize?
All Australian Year 9 or Year 10 school/homeschool Students can have a Simpson Prize entry submitted on their behalf.
Entries are submitted by a Teacher and judged at the state/territory level.
Students must be in Year 9 or Year 10 when their Simpson Prize entry is submitted.
Can teachers use the Simpson Prize Question as an assessment task or learning activity?
Yes.
The Simpson Prize Question and its selected sources are designed to be used as class assessment, as a whole class learning activity, or as an extension exercise.
Can Students provide a response related to WW1 or WW2?
The response must be related to either WW1 or WW2, not both.
How much individual research should be in a student’s response?
Roughly 50% of a Student’s response should be based on their individual research.
Please also take careful note of the ‘Instructions‘, found on the Simpson Prize website.
How many Simpson Prize sources from the Australian War Memorial collection should be used in a Student’s response to the question?
At least 4 of the sources should be used in the response. *
* Note:
- WW1 sources are only to be used for a response about WW1.
- WW2 sources are only to be used for a response about WW2.
There are more resources you can use on the oral history interviews of the Anzac Potal.
Does written content derived from the Simpson Prize Question sources contribute to the total word count of the student’s response when they are quoted?
Yes, it does, and all sources should be appropriately referenced.
Note, also:
- Footnotes or in-text references do not contribute to the word count.
- A Bibliography does not contribute to the word count.
- Appendix items do not contribute to the word count.
Is the Question word limit important?
Student entries must be within the word limit.
How many student entries can be submitted for judging?
A Teacher can submit 3 Student entries for judging: 1 entry per Student.*
Note, only 3 Student entries are allowed per school.
Is the Question important?
Yes, student entries must address the Question; however, debate is welcomed.
When are the Prize Winners notified?
Winners and Runners-up are notified in early December.
Teacher and Parents are notified via email.
The official announcement is at the Presentation Ceremony at Australian Parliament House in the following March.
What does winning the Simpson Prize involve?
In March, 1 Winner and 1 Runner-Up from each state and territory receives a 3-day all-expenses-paid Canberra Study Tour.
This Study Tour includes visits to the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Archives of Australia, culminating in an event at Government House with the Governor-General, and the official Presentation Ceremony at Australian Parliament House.
In April, the Winners travel to an overseas destination, for an all-expenses paid commemorative study tour, participating in Anzac Day commemorations while there.
Who chaperones the Students?
Teachers from Australian states and territories are selected to accompany the Students on the Canberra Study Tour and the International Study Tour.
Do I have to book and pay for my child’s flights and accommodation to Canberra?
No.
Winners and Runners-Up have Canberra flights and accommodation arrangements (including meals) organised, booked and paid for by the Simpson Prize Secretariat.
In February you will be sent a confirmed itinerary, flight tickets and details, and accommodation information.
Can parents attend the official presentation ceremony at Australian Parliament House?
Yes.
In March, formal Presentation Ceremony invitations and relevant information are sent to Parents.
Parents must make their own travel arrangements and provide relevant information to the Simpson Prize Secretariat.
Can our child stay with us in Canberra at our hotel?
No.
It is important for the Students to stay together as a group and attend all parts of the Canberra Study Tour.
Download or print the Code of Conduct required here.
Do I have to book and pay for International Study Tour flights and accommodation?
No.
Winners have International Study Tour flights and accommodation arrangements (including meals) organised, booked and paid for by the Simpson Prize Secretariat.
Can Parents join a child on the International Study Tour?
No.
Whilst Parents are supplied with information they need to support a child participating in an International Study Tour, they are not permitted to join the Tour.
Students are accompanied by Teacher Chaperones, and the Tour is led by an Australian War Memorial Historian.
Where have past Simpson Prize Winners Commemorative Study Tours visited?
Past destinations have included: Britain; France; Gallipoli, Japan; Norfolk Island; Singapore; Turkey; The Western Front and Vietnam.
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Website for more information simpsonprize.org
Email the Simpson Prize Secretariat at admin@simpsonprize.org
View examples of previous entries here: The Simpson Prize 2025 Winners