The Simpson Prize 2027
The Simpson Prize is a national history competition for Year 9 and 10 students. It encourages students to engage deeply with Australia’s wartime history through careful research, source analysis, and historical argument.
The 2027 question asks students to consider the usefulness of artefacts and artwork as historical sources when researching the experiences of Australians who served in either the First World War or the Second World War.
Students must choose either WWI or WWII, not both. They are expected to make effective use of at least four of the provided sources, as well as relevant evidence from their own research.
Students may submit either a research essay of 1,200–1,500 words or an audiovisual presentation of no more than 10 minutes, accompanied by a written explanation and reference list of up to 400 words.
The 2027 question asks:
How useful are artefacts and artwork as historical sources when researching the experience of Australians who served in either the First World War or Second World War?
Students may respond through either a written essay or an audiovisual presentation. Entries close Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Teacher Information Pack: Supporting Simpson Prize Entries
This guide provides teachers with the key information needed to support students entering the Simpson Prize. It includes entry requirements, suggested school timelines, advice on using the resources, and guidance for selecting and submitting school entries.
Student Guide: Tips and Hints for Tasmanian Students
This student guide introduces the Simpson Prize, explains the 2027 question, outlines the entry requirements, and helps students begin planning either a research essay or audiovisual presentation. It is a useful first resource for students before they begin selecting sources or drafting their response.
2027 Simpson Prize Source Pack: First World War
This source pack contains the First World War artefacts, artworks, and supporting source information selected for the 2027 Simpson Prize. Students choosing the First World War option should use this pack as the foundation for their research and analysis.
2027 Simpson Prize Source Pack: Second World War
This source pack contains the Second World War artefacts, artworks, and supporting source information selected for the 2027 Simpson Prize. Students choosing the Second World War option should use this pack as the foundation for their research and analysis.
Judging Guidelines
The judging guidelines explain how Simpson Prize entries are assessed. They outline expectations for historical understanding, argument, source use, structure, communication, and acknowledgement of sources. Teachers should use this document when supporting students and when selecting school entries.
Essay Rubric for Classroom Use
This rubric can be used by teachers to assess student drafts, provide feedback, and support school-level selection of entries. It is especially useful if the Simpson Prize is being used as part of a class assessment or enrichment program.
TOP Source Analysis Template
This template helps students analyse the usefulness of individual sources by considering the type of source, its origin, its purpose, and its value as evidence. It is a useful scaffold for moving beyond description into historical analysis.
Referencing Template
This template helps students keep track of the sources they use while researching and drafting their entry. Students should use it from the beginning of their research so that all primary and secondary sources can be acknowledged accurately.
Quick Guide: Artefacts, Artwork and Usefulness
This visual guide helps students think about the different kinds of evidence provided by artefacts and artwork. It is a useful starting point for discussing how physical objects and visual representations can reveal lived experience, emotion, memory, and the limitations of historical evidence.