Sadlier Stokes 2023: The 'Digger's Den' and 'News Bulletin, 21 April 1917' projects of the Alfred Kastler high school

These two projects explore Australia’s involvement in the First World War in two ways:

The first was by producing an Australian television news bulletin presented by the students. Set on 21 April 1917, it skilfully addresses a wide range of topics relating to the involvement of AIF troops in the war. Topics such as the importance of companionship, military strategy and the role of the medical corps at the front were presented in the form of news reports and guest interviews, reminding us of the various forms of service during the war.​

 

The second part of the project consisted in a series of 13 podcasts presented by the students and amounting to over an hour of audio content. These episodes were divided into different themes, such as the Battle of Bullecourt, the devastating effects of shell shock and war injuries, and the contribution of Australian women to the war effort. These podcasts are available to listen to for free here.

The jury was impressed by the quality and variety of these projects, plus the amount of research work involved. They selected the Alfred Kastler high school for a prize of €1,500, which was awarded by the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, on behalf of the Australian Embassy in France, to its teaching staff and students during an awards ceremony held on Anzac Day. The high school is planning to use this money to fund an educational workshop at the Imperial War Museum and visit the Churchill War Rooms in London.

The Sadlier Stokes Prize is awarded annually to the best projects submitted by French primary, middle, and high schools, highlighting Australian memory and involvement in the First World War.