On Friday 26 October, teachers and students from a number of schools across the region joined the representatives from the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria and Federation University for a presentation of student work as part of the History Enrichment Program (HEP). With approximately 100 people in attendance, two Heritage College Students were awarded Certificates of Completion of the History Enrichment Program 2018.

In partnership with the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria, the State Government of Victoria and Federation University, the History Enrichment Program is an opportunity to showcase the skills and abilities of students who have a passion for the subject area of History. Open to both primary students in Years 3 to 6 and secondary students in Years 7 to 10, students are selected to participate in the program who show aptitude in advanced learning and thinking skills in addition to demonstrating an interest in history as a subject.

Now in its fourth year, the History Enrichment Program showcases gifted and talented students in regional areas, appearing in Ballarat and proceeding to other major centres including Gippsland, Horsham and Berwick. To be eligible for the award, students were required to participate in a workshop day, decide on their historical period to research, complete their ‘passion project’ and be in attendance at the exhibition to discuss their project and answer any questions about their choice of theme.

On the evening, 38 students from local schools exhibited themes ranging from Ancient history (exploring the empires of Rome and Egypt), Medieval and Middle Ages (the Black Death, the life of King Henry), Victorian Era (Queen Victoria) and modern history (the Gold Rush, World Conflicts, Immigration). Heritage College students Rufe and Jessica created an in-depth display of the Medieval world and the History of Religions respectively.

Dr Jo Clyne (Manager, Education and Consultancies) and Myra Karantzas (Gifted Education Consultant and Events Manager) from the History Teachers' Association of Victoria were joined by representatives and HEP presenters Dr David Waldron and Josh Lloyd to officially present the awards to the students before guests in attendance. Myra Karantzas from the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria, said:

‘The HTAV is proud of all of the student’s efforts in representing their schools and their abilities in History studies. The calibre of student work this year was impressive and each student should be very proud of their achievements. We would also like to thank the Berwick community and surrounds, the teaching staff and families for their show of support for the students and their work’.

Ms Palolo Lafaitele, Head of Humanities at Heritage College, said:

‘Both Jessica and Rufe represented our college with excellence, showcasing an in-depth knowledge of their subject areas. We are very proud of their Passion Projects and look forward to many more future ‘historians’ to take part in this program next year’.

Heritage College would like to thank theHistory Teachers’ Association of Victoria in partnership with Federation University, for making this event possible for all students. Well done to Rufe and Jessica who achieved great results through hard work and excellence. Heritage College staff and students look forward to participating again in 2019.

About the History Enrichment Program

The History Enrichment Program (HEP) is an initiative of the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria (HTAV) in partnership with Federation University. HEP provides a resource for teachers and parents who seek enriched learning opportunities for students who demonstrate sound ability and passion in their history studies. The program is aimed at students who are significantly different in their thinking from most other students their age and brings fast and advanced learners together in small groups who share a passion for history.

You can learn more about the program by visiting: www.htav.asn.au/students/history-enrichment-program-hep

Mr Josh Lloyd from Federation University presents Certificate to Rufe

Mr Josh Lloyd from Federation University presents Certificate to Jessica