Beaverbrook Vimy Prize

 

There is another phenomenal contest open to students aged 15 - 17!  If you win, your essay or project will be posted on the Vimy Foundation website and you will get to visit First and Second World War battlefields, historic sites, and memorials!  The topics are as follows:

Part 1:  Centenary of the First World War

2014 is the centenary of WWI, but there are no surviving veterans left from that conflict. What is the role of youth in ensuring that this part of our history remains relevant for your generation and future generations?

You may answer this question in any form of expression you wish (essay, story, song, poetry, letters, film, multimedia, sketches, drawings, paintings, other artwork, etc.). Limit of three quotations. All sources must be cited in a bibliography.

PART TWO: BEAVERBROOK COLLECTION OF WAR ART

During the First World War, several artists expressed themselves in various mediums, such as poetry, music and painting. Closely study the Beaverbrook online collection and choose a painting that particularly interests you. First, describe what the artist has depicted. Next, explain the emotions the painter wished to represent and the emotions it evokes in you.

http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/guerre/official-art-e.aspx 

Visit Beaverbrook Vimy Prize to learn all the details.  Submissions are due by Feb. 1, 2015.

Canadian History Awards

The Government of Canada sponsors a contest for students in grades 10 and 11.  It is a wonderful opportunity for you to challenge yourself and expand your understanding of Canadian History.  The deadline for submission is April  17, 2015 so you have plenty of time to start researching a topic and writing.  Your history teacher is  more than willing to serve as an editor.  The questions can be found at the following website:  http://www.canadashistory.ca/History-Awards/Student-Award/2015-Questions

The Royal Canadian Air Force

        Recently, grade 10 history classes were able to visit the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association located near Windsor Airport.  It was an interesting opportunity to meet some of the people who have worked to protect Canada by serving in the military, in particular current and past members of the Canadian Air Force.

        One of the most interesting individuals was Mr. Doolittle.  A veteran of World War II, Mr. Doolittle spoke at length about his training and his experiences.  One story that stood out for us was his recollection of "the blitz" in London.  Dead tired, he had fallen asleep in his bed only to find himself on the floor in the morning.  He learned that a German bomb had fallen close to his hotel.  The force had knocked from his bed, but had not been enough to wake him.  Now that is really tired!  He also spoke of personal loss.  One of his best friends, someone he happened to find again during a London blackout, was later lost in a flight over Europe.

        In addition, students were able to learn about the training pilots undergo today and listen to some of the experiences of those who have served in rescue units, trying to help those in peril on the water or in remote areas.  Students toured the small historical display which included items donated by local families - things like pay books, medals, propellers, etc.  They were all quite fascinating.  One of the best experiences was being permitted to sit in the pilot's seat or crawl into a gunner's position.  We really appreciated being allowed to visit the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association and would like to thank all those who organized and presented the event.

The Verdict Has Been Reached

        Recently, the ancient history class tried Alexander the Great.  The conqueror of territories reaching from Europe to India was tried for a crime against humanity.  Charged with cultural genocide, the prosecution worked to show how his policy of "Hellinization" (installing Greek institutions like the Greek language) served to destroy the unique cultures of those areas he had conquered.  Despite the testimony of his former teacher, and those who felt their lives had been improved under his reign, the jury, made up of students from Mr. O'Gorman's civics class, found the defendant, Alexander the Great, guilty.

        Our second big case saw Socrates tried.  The respected philosopher was charged with endeavouring to corrupt the youth of Athens.  It was alleged that his teaching style, the Socratic Method, encouraged students to question elements of life that should not be questioned.  In particular it was asserted that this led to the youth of Athens questioning the traditions and religious beliefs of the community.  In a turnabout, the jury found the defendant not guilty!