Emmaus College year 9 student Eric Slattery has become a state champion in this year’s Australian History Competition.
Eric received the highest marks in the state for his year level and received a high distinction award as well.
Fellow year 9 student Edward Schuller and year 7 student Emily Crittenden also received high distinction marks.
About 60 Emmaus students in years 7 to 10 were selected to take part in the Australia multiple choice exam earlier this year after showing an interest and extended knowledge in history lessons.
Learning and teaching leader of Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) Robyn Coase said the exams were based on the year 7-8 and the year 9-10 joint curriculum, meaning younger students took on course work they may not yet have covered in class.
“The tests are broken up into historical knowledge and then historical sources,” she said.
“We are finding our students are improving each year on the source analysis section.
“We’ve never had a state winner before so we are very proud.”
Ms Coase said Emmaus College had participated in the history competition since 2011 and always fared well.
“This year, however, was our best yet, with more than half of the students selected receiving an award,” she said.
“Congratulations to all students who participated, you have shown dedication to your learning in SOSE and make great use of historical analysis.”
Ms Coase said being selected to take part in the test was just one more way the students could be acknowledged for their talents.
“We find it also allows the students to extend themselves in various learning abilities,” she said.
“Plus it allows them to take on a challenge to see how they fare against students from throughout Australia.”
Eric’s medal will be presented at the end of year awards ceremony.
