Sadlier Stokes Prize 2021

Open to primary, junior, and senior high schools throughout France, the Sadlier Stokes Prize symbolises the historic link between France and Australia. It pays tribute to the heroic actions of two Australian soldiers, Lieutenant Clifford Sadlier and Sergeant Charlie Stokes during the decisive battle of Villers-Bretonneux on 25 April 1918.

 

Created by the Australian Government in 1989, the Sadlier Stokes Prize is open to all disciplines without exception and rewards projects related to Australia’s participation in the First World War. The projects presented can be carried out using any educational support: exhibition, show, poetry, short story, treasure hunt, newspaper, video, blog, etc.

 

All French schools of primary, middle, and high school levels can present a project. Classes wishing to participate have until 19 May 2021 to submit their project presentation file. The prizes consist of a total amount of 4,500 euros and 3 SJMC prize packs that will be distributed among the best projects in each category.

 

In 2020, the Gilbert Zola School in Cherbourg distinguished itself in the elementary school category with the production of a special Anzac Day web radio show.

In the middle school category, the Ernest Jacques Barbot Middle School in Metz won the prize for organizing an Anzac Day Challenge, a project that mobilised more than 400 students.

In the high school category, the jury praised the creativity of the J-C Athanase Peltier High School in Ham for the creation of a metal sculpture symbolising the strength of the Franco-Australian friendship.

Finally, a special mention from the jury was awarded to La Providence High School in Amiens for the high quality of its exhibition “So far, so close” created by the second year students. The Sir John Monash Centre hosted the exhibition for the European Heritage Days.

 

Applications for 2021 will be examined by a jury made up of members of the Embassy and the Sir John Monash Centre. The jury’s recommendations will be submitted to Her Excellency Gillian Bird, Australia’s Ambassador to France, who will make the final decision. Among the evaluation criteria, will be the quality of the project presented, its originality, the degree of involvement of students in its realisation, the number of people directly or indirectly impacted through the project, the educational objectives achieved, and the teaching method chosen.