Belgium

The history competition

Main Topics:

“The Family tree”
The central theme of the history competition for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school year was ‘family history.’

"From school to work"
During the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school year the theme was about the transition from school to work.

"History in a suitcase“
The central topic for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school year is ‘migration’.

The theme must in any case be well-defined, depending on personal interests and available sources (living grandparents, interview with older generations availability of photos). The aim of this project is for young people to develop another vision of the past. Thus, certain everyday events and situations can be better understood.

The topics do allow a critical approach to history from the point of view of citizenship.

It is open, wide enough and accessible to all and place students at the same level of equality. Everyone has something to say about their familyans about migration?

It promotes intergenerational contacts concentrate on the personal story of an ancestor, parent or grandparent but by considering them witnesses of their time.

We want them to be attentive of social value, by integrating a particular story into general history.

Requirements

The competition is intended for students of the two last years of secondary schools (the age 16 to 18 years old).

Students are asked to undertake research within their families to work in archives and libraries and find sources about their chosen topic. During their field work they should conduct interviews with contemporary witnesses, search in archives, libraries, etc. The result of their research should be verifiable and presented in a clear manner that shows analytical as well as interpretative skills. Students can work alone or in groups. The entries can be presented in a large variety of forms, i.e. written essays, a website., a video, an exhibition, an art product or a DVD. As Belgium has three language Communities the youngsters can write in one of the three official languages.

Jury

There is a different jury for each language community. The jury is chosen by the King Baudouin Foundation and is composed of professional historians, teachers, and other experts. The evaluation is carried out in two stages. First each entry is evaluated by members of the jury. In a the second stage selected students will defended their work publicly in front of the jury.

Awards

Money prizes are granted for the three Communities:
(total amount maximum 13 000 Euro)

10 prizes for the Flemish Community (1 x 1000 Euro, 9 x 500 Euro)
10 prizes for the French speaking Community(1 x 1000 Euro, 9 x 500 Euro)
3 prizes for the German speaking Community (1 x 1000 Euro, 2 x 500 Euro)