He is fascinated by Stalin, doesn’t underestimate the power of the potato famine, and favours evolution over revolution. So strong is Thomas Price’s passion for history, the Year 10 student has just been named the NSW champion in this year’s Australian History Competition.
“History intrigues me – the facts, statistics and perspectives; sometimes I can’t believe how different events are influenced by each other,” he said.
In the nationwide competition, held by the History Teachers Association of Australia and undertaken by more than 30,000 Year 8 and Year 10 students from more than 400 schools in every state and territory, Thomas achieved 98 per cent and was placed second to the overall winner from across the country. The questions are mainly based on interpreting and analysing a range of historical source material, and Thomas’s success is based on his understanding of historical inquiry processes and his ability to interpret and apply information.
“It’s so important that as a society we know history so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past, especially with economic and social history so we can work to avoid economic depressions, and social upheaval through revolution,” he said.
TAS Headmaster Murray Guest congratulated Thomas on his success at a whole school assembly.
“While our students usually perform well in this national competition, to have a state champion says much about both Thomas’ passion for the subject and the quality of teaching,” he said.
Five other Year 10 students excelled in the competition, with Jacob Fernandez, Will Forsyth, Harry Mason, Henry O’Neil and Liam Smith all achieving high distinctions.
Thomas Price was presented with a medallion recognising him as State Champion in the Australian History Competition
