Celebrating Student History Extension Success HSC Prize

On Monday 25 March, Ella Curran (Class of 2023) was recognised by the History Teachers’ Association of New South Wales and awarded Runner Up in the History Extension Essay Prize. Ella’s project, entitled Poetry and the ‘Just War’, assessed the influence of trench poetry in the teaching of First World War history on British cultural memory and perception of the war. Her achievement was celebrated at the inter-school High Achievers’ Ceremony held at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum. Ella was supported by her History Extension teacher and Essay supervisor, Lauren Jenkins.

Reflecting on the eight-month process of research, drafting and editing, Ella stated that she ‘actually would do it all again’. She commented on the rewarding nature of watching her essay develop from a mere couple of questions to a 2500 word essay that wrestled with complex historiographical debates such as Does truth exist? and Are there merits to postmodernist approaches to historical analysis?

For 2024 students undertaking History Extension, Ella emphasised the importance of asking questions and taking risks, noting ‘don’t be afraid to fail… starting again is a good thing’ for such challenges force students to be critical, problem solve and consider new perspectives. Ella also thanked her teacher, Lauren Jenkins, for mentoring her through this critical thinking process.

Brigida Zagora
Head of HSIE (Humanities and Social Sciences)