History Teachers' Association of NSW

06/09/2026

Closing soon! Entries for HTANSW's History Extension competition are closing on 11 September. There are prize categories for general historiography, women's history, ancient history and museology and Australian history.
Your student could win!
Two students per school, with a strict word limit of 2500 words.

More information here:

NOTE: Special Category essays will be selected by the judging panel from essays entered in the HTANSW Extension Essay Prize, and must meet the same criteria

02/09/2026

History Week 2026 begins on 5 September, and the theme is "Keeping Stories." Here are some activities to get you started! Which stories will you keep?

01/09/2026

The University of Wollongong is running a History Extension Experience day on Friday 13 November 2026. The event will bring together historians and teachers to help students as they begin History Extension in term 4. For more information and to register, please visit:

Designed specifically for Year 12 History Extension students, this free, on-campus event helps participants build the skills and confidence needed to strengthen their major work. Through interactive sessions, students will work alongside UOW historians, experienced teachers, HSC markers, and former....

31/08/2026

Know an outstanding History teacher? HTANSW is pleased to announce that it has created two new awards for excellence in History teaching.

Two categories:
- Excellence in History Teaching - Early Career (1–5 years teaching)
- Excellence in History Teaching (5+ years teaching)

Open to primary & secondary teachers across Government, Independent and Catholic schools in NSW — any employment basis.

Winners will be recognised at an event in early 2027.

This is a peer-nominated award, so tag or nominate the History teacher who inspires you!

Entries close 7 October 2026

https://htansw.asn.au/Teachers/Excellence-in-History-Teaching-Award

27/08/2026

Save the date – Bob Carr: Making Australia, Parliament Unpacked

More than 125 years after Federation, many of the questions debated by the Federation generation remain relevant today. How should power be shared between state and federal governments? What unites Australians? How can democratic institutions respond to a changing world?

This special Parliament Unpacked event will explore why the colonies chose Federation, the challenges of nation-building, and how the debates of the 1890s continue to influence Australia's political system today.

When:
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Where:
Theatrette, NSW Parliament. Online livestream available.

How to book tickets:
Register for in person tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/in-person-bob-carr-making-australia-parliament-unpacked-tickets-1998471910281?aff=oddtdtcreator

Register for online livestream tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/online-livestream-bob-carr-making-australia-parliament-unpacked-tickets-1998471738768?aff=oddtdtcreator

Discover the story of Federation and its lasting impact with the Hon. Bob Carr, former NSW Premier and Foreign Minister.

21/08/2026

You can help ensure that history teachers’ voices shape future professional learning, research and educational policy around AI in schools.
If you're interested, check it out here: https://acu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5oPhSz1TW24N2Wq

13/08/2026

HTANSW is proud to sponsor two $15,000 Premier's Teacher Scholarships each year, and we are pleased to announce our new scholars for this year. Ellen Marsh, from Lisarow High School, will be investigating DNA in the ancient Mediterranean, and Dr Fiona Radford will be researching the Civil Rights Movement outside the American south - both extremely worthy topics. Congratulations!

10/08/2026

Calling all History teachers!

Would you like to be involved in judging this year’s National History Challenge?
Complete this short form to register your interest. https://forms.gle/cZm4dogNoyE87M7YA

06/08/2026

It was wonderful to welcome so many history educators to our 2026 State Conference at the University of Sydney.

We were privileged to hear from engaging keynote speakers Annabel Crabb and Professor Mark McKenna, alongside our outstanding sub-keynotes and presenters.

Thank you to all who attended, our sponsor Libertas Travel as well as all of the exhibitors.

04/08/2026

Twenty years on from the History Wars, where does History education in Australia stand? HTANSW is pleased to share research in our latest publication, An Overview of History Education in Australia. This project was a partnership with Australian Historical Association. Tracking twenty years of change and continuity, it compares History curriculum across every Australian state and territory, documents key challenges including declining enrolments and AI, and provides an evidence base for advocacy and policy. Download the full overview at https://htansw.asn.au/About/Advocacy