IGS celebrates the remarkable achievements of two Year 12 History Extension students, Oliver Guthrie and Kasen Heiskanen, who have been recognised in the highly competitive 2025 HTA History Extension Essay Prize.
Both students earned places in this statewide competition for their outstanding major works, produced as part of their HSC History Extension course. Schools may submit only two entries, and both IGS submissions were awarded.
Oliver Guthrie received 1st Place in the Ancient Past Category, offered by the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, for his essay analysing the impact of machine-made replicas on how audiences experience artefacts in museums today.
Kasen Heiskanen received 2nd Place in the Australian History Category, awarded by the History Council of NSW, for his essay examining how shifting ideologies have shaped representations of Indigenous Australians in public and academic history.
This prestigious competition accepts entries only from genuine, self-directed research projects that demonstrate rigorous historical inquiry and compelling, well-crafted writing. The field is extremely competitive, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time IGS has placed in this prize – let alone twice in the same year.
A presentation ceremony honouring the 2025 History High Achievers, including competition winners and students who topped History subjects in the 2025 HSC, will be held in March 2026.
Essay synopses
Oliver Guthrie – (Re)Ritualising the Artefact: An analysis of artefacts, as Leuix de mémoire, in the age of robotic reproduction.
Oliver’s essay explores how digital and robotic reproductions of historical artefacts influence the way audiences experience history. Drawing on Walter Benjamin, Pierre Nora and Immanuel Kant, the work examines questions of authenticity, aura and political appropriation. Through case studies including the Parthenon Marbles and the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, Oliver proposes a framework for “re-ritualising” artefacts by prioritising original context and creator intent.
Kasen Heiskanen – Framing the Nation. How have the agendas behind ‘Black Armband’ and ‘White Blindfold’ revisionism shaped historical knowledge production during the Australian History Wars?
Kasen’s essay investigates how the ‘Black Armband’ and ‘White Blindfold’ interpretations of Australian history shape public memory, political discourse and constructions of national identity. Drawing on theorists such as Michel-Rolph Trouillot, and engaging with historians including Henry Reynolds, Manning Clark and Keith Windschuttle, the essay argues that the Australian History Wars are less about factual dispute and more about competing visions for the future. Kasen suggests that Australia’s challenge lies in developing a historical consciousness that balances national pride with historical truth.
IGS congratulates Oliver and Kasen on their exceptional dedication and intellectual curiosity.
