The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Year 9 and 10 students that focuses on the service of Australians in World War One and World War Two.
Named after John Simpson Kirkpatrick, known by the story of ‘Simpson and his donkey’, the Prize offers students the opportunity to investigate a significant aspect of Australia’s heritage, involvement, service, and sacrifice.
Students are required to respond to a challenging question, and they are encouraged to discuss and debate their response from a variety of perspectives, individual and national. The question for 2025 is: ‘Australia’s relationship with Great Britain explains why Australia and individual Australians went to war. Discuss the accuracy of this statement with reference to either World War One or World War Two?’
The 16 winners and runners-up from each state and territory will receive a three-day study program in Canberra where they visit several of the capital’s museums and institutions and attend a presentation ceremony at Parliament House. The 8 winners will then travel to an overseas destination for a commemorative study tour involving Anzac Day ceremonies at that location. Previous trips have included a tour of the Western Front.
Schools are permitted to submit up to three student entries. Entries can include an essay or audio-visual presentation. Students are encouraged to speak with their teachers if they are interested in entering.