The Cairns Catholic Education Historical Writing Competition invites students in Years 9–12 to showcase their historical research and writing skills. Whether submitting essays, reports, or creative historical pieces, students are encouraged to explore the past through critical analysis, structured argument, and evidence-based research.
This initiative is supported by Cairns Catholic Education and the BLA to foster a deeper engagement with history while promoting careers in teaching, research, journalism, and heritage professions.
Year 9-10 [800-1200 words]
Students in Years 9-10 are invited to submit an essay or other historical writing (e.g., report, diary entry, newspaper article, feature article etc.) based on research.
Year 11-12 [1500-2000 words]
Students in Year 11-12 are invited to submit an essay on a topic as defined by the Modern History and/or Ancient History General Senior syllabus 2019. The essay should adhere to the specifications required by the QCAA for an IA3-Investigation - historical essay based on research.
Closing Date: Friday 11th September, 2026
First Prize: $200
Second Prize: $150
Third Prize: $100
1. Cairns Catholic Education Historical Writing Prospectus 2025.pdf
2. Cairns Catholic Education Historical Writing Competition_Application Form 2025.pdf
For more details, please contact the coordinator shown below:
Coordinator: Ms Dana Piryak
Phone: (07) 4078 0222
Email: dpiry9@eq.edu.au
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