SCHOOL CHILDREN TO ENTER THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S CAPTAIN COOK COMPETITION
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that school children from his Federal electorate of Berowra can win the trip of a lifetime to Captain Cook’s birthplace in England by taking part in the Australian Government Captain Cook Essay Competition, which opened today.
The national competition encourages children to learn about the birth of modern Australia, when the then Lieutenant James Cook sailed into Botany Bay in 1770 and first set foot on Australian soil.
“This educational competition is an Australian Government initiative encouraging primary and secondary school students to learn more about Australian history,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Looking to the future requires solid knowledge of and appreciation for history, which is why it is imperative that our children and future leaders understand about Australia’s past.
“There are fabulous prizes for the winners, including a trip to England, Captain Cook’s birthplace, and educational vouchers of up to $1500 for school libraries. I strongly encourage schools in my electorate to take part in the competition and help keep our history alive.”
The competition closes on Friday 22 June 2007. It is open to children enrolled in Australian schools from Years 4 to 12. There are three divisions, divided by age-group with different entry requirements for each division.
Free Teachers’ Resource Kits, including lesson plans, curriculum links and competition posters can be ordered from the Australian Heritage website at www.heritage.gov.au or by emailing ciu@environment.gov.au. Further information is available at www.heritage.gov.au