Extension History Essay Prize

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2025 Extension Essay Prize 1st Place

Prof. Julia Kindt (University of Sydney History Department) with Anna Mavrakis (Kambala)

The Extension History Essay Prize is open to essays that:

  • Satisfy the requirements of the NSW HSC Extension Project
  • Are the product of genuine research
  • Represent 'interesting and well written history'
  • Do not present a significant overlap with other senior history syllabus content

NOTE: Special Category essays will be selected by the judging panel from essays entered in the HTANSW Extension Essay Prize, and must meet the same criteria

Entry Criteria

  • Entries are restricted to two per school (i.e. each school can select/enter its 2 best essays only)
  • All entries must be nominated by the school's History Head Teacher or Coordinator. That is, entries must be submitted by the nominating teacher. Entries submitted by students will not be accepted
  • Entries must be received by the closing date 
  • Entries must be an exact copy of the essay the student submitted to their school to meet the requirements for the HSC Extension History Project. That is, entries must meet the below Essay Requirements
  • NOTE: Special Category essays will be chosen by the competition judges from the essays sumbitted to the general competition.

Essay Requirements

Essays should satisfy the requirements of the NSW HSC Extension Project:

  • Consist of no more than 2,500 words
  • Include a bibiliography (but not an evaluation of any of the sources used)

Please also ensure:

  • Your essay has page numbers
  • Apart from the essay's PDF file name, do not write student's name, school or teacher on any page of the body of the document.

2026 - HOW TO ENTER

Submissions will be via electronic upload through the below link. 

Please follow the following FORMAT GUIDE for your entries:

  • Save your entry essay in PDF file format (max. size 3MB)
  • Use the following naming convention to save your PDF file with student's details: SURNAMEfirstname_School
  • Complete a separate entry form for each student
  • NOTE: Maximum of 2 entries per school only
  • CLOSING DATE - Friday 11th September 2026 (COB).

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT ENTRY

 

HTANSW Extension Essay Prize

Sponsored by the University of Sydney History Department

  • 1st Place: $400 
  • Runners Up Awards (3 awards): $200

Special Category - Australian History Prize

The History Council of NSW offers prizes for essays which focus on Australian history, and which may include original research.

  • 1st Place: $300
  • 2nd Place: $150

Special Category - Ancient Past Prize

The Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney, offers prizes for essays which encompass the ancient past and/or archaeology.

  • 1st Prize: $300
  • 2nd Prize: $150

Special Category - Women's History Prize NEW FOR 2025!

The Jessie Street National Women's Library Prize for Women's History celebrates an outstanding essay that illuminates the diverse lives and experiences of women, spanning all ethnic, racial, socio-economic and religious backgrounds. This award recognizes research that deepens our understanding of women's vital contributions and experiences throughout history. A brief article on the winning entry will appear in the JSNWL newsletter

  • 1st Prize: $200 (plus a year's membership to the library)

 

2025 HTANSW Extension Essay Prize Winners

1st Place

Anna Mavrakis

Kambala

Runner Up (equal)

Natalie Shaw

Wenona

Runner Up (equal)

Anna Catalina van Gelder

Kambala

Runner Up (equal)

Alysse Emily Yates

Catherine McAuley Catholic College, Westmead

2025 Australian History Prize - History Council of NSW

1st Place

Zoe Nguyen

Sydney Girls' High School

2nd Place

Kasen Heiskanen

International Grammar School

2025 Ancient Past Prize - Chau Chak Wing Museum

1st Place

Oliver Guthrie

International Grammar School

2nd Place

Alice Kneale

Killarney Heights High School

2025 Women's History Prize - Jessie Street National Women's Library

1st Place

Chloe Champion

Wenona

 

2025 Certificates of Excellence

Certificates of Excellence were awarded to the following students (in alphabetical order).

Chelsea Cannes

St Vincent's College, Potts Point

Katia Clement

Roseville College

Alexandra Collins-Tait

SCEGGS Darlinghurst

Luka Joseph Črnčec 

St Columbas Catholic College

Alice Hynes

Hornsby Girls' High School

Lauren Korenblyum 

Pymble Ladies' College

Lily O'Loghlin

St Vincent's College, Potts Point

Ella Ruane

Randwick High School

Toby Scott

St Aloysius College, Milsons Point

Finley Thompson

Wollongong High School of Performing Arts

Liberty Waldner

Emanuel School

 

2025 Winner's Photos

2025 Extension Essay Main Prize Winners

L-R: Alysse Yates, Natalie Shaw, Anna Mavrakis, Anne van Gelder (RU)

2025 Ancient Past Prize Category Winners

L-R : Oliver Moxham Guthrie, Alice Kneale, Dr Craig Barker (Chau Chak Wing Museum)

2025 Australian History Prize Category

L-R: Kasen Heiskanen, Zoe Nguyen, Dr Naomi Parry (History Council NSW) 

2025 Women's History Category Winner

L-R: Chloe Champion, Anne Gripton (HTANSW President)