Testimonials – The Simpson Prize

Students

The Simpson Prize is one of the greatest, most valuable experiences that a student can undergo.

Students would gain a deep, insightful and rich understanding of not only Australia’s WW1 contributions, but stories, context and experiences of war around the world that will not only make for a highly enjoyable challenge, but the chance to change your life.

The Simpson Prize is something that can take you to incredible places, allow you to meet new people, and learn something new.

I feel privileged that I was involved in the 2023 Simpson Prize Singapore program and would highly encourage all Year 9 and 10 students to enter the competition. This experience has opened my eyes, we are not just children of Australia, but we are children of the world.

Standing in the shadow of the A-Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, 2025 Simpson Prize winner Harshpreet Sidhu (NSW winner) realised that some of history’s most powerful lessons are best understood in the places where they unfolded.

The value of the study tour kicked in with a jolt when I stood on the ground where people – often not much older than me – sacrificed their lives, exhibited bravery, and on occasion made errors that led to cascading and horrific events. This experience will never be truly replicated by anything in the classroom. It was humbling to stand in the bunkers at Fort Canning, hearing stories and accounts of those taken prisoner, holding out until the last minute against an invading force. It was chilling to stand in the Ford Factory, the site of the surrender by the Allies to Japanese forces and know that was the gateway in time and place to the atrocities Australian prisoners of war experienced in the years that followed. At the Kranji Cemetery Dawn Service, we met several Australian and New Zealand military service men and women and reconnected with Minister Jason Clare. I was honoured to be asked to represent the group and lay a wreath during the Service.

Teachers

Thank you again for the opportunity to attend the 2025 Simpson Prize Study tours as a teacher chaperone, it was an amazing trip and will help inform my teaching units into the future.

Engaging the students with a range of different speakers who all had stories to share. Speaking with people in different roles and different life experiences was extremely valuable for the students.

The benefit of a study tour such as this, for both students and teachers, cannot be underestimated. It is one thing to learn about historical events in classrooms, from textbooks etc, but to stand on the land where events occurred undoubtedly brings the events to life. To see where the Japanese arrived, the conditions endured by soldiers and POWs certainly enhances any learning experience for students. The experience of the Simpson Prize tour has provided the chaperoning teachers with greater insight into events; one which will be used for future planning and delivery of learning opportunities for students back in their respective schools. The cultural aspect of the Simpson Prize tour is also an important benefit for students. Any development of cultural understanding, particularly within our own region, is an important outcome of a trip such as this.