The National Archives of Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $5000 Summer School grants for teachers.

‘Educational staff from the National Archives have worked closely with the Australian National University, the National Capital Education Tourism project and other cultural organisations in Canberra to help make the vision of an Australian History Summer School for teachers a reality,’ said Director-General Ross Gibbs.

“We are delighted that so many of Australia’s best teachers will now have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in this way.’

National Archives’ staff will be involved in the Australian History Summer School which will be held in January.  They will be on hand to help teachers discover the Archives’ links to key aspects of 20th century Australian history, such as federation, immigration, war, conscription and other issues.

‘We’re looking forward to inspiring teachers by showing just how relevant those original records are to their students’ lives today,’ said Mr Gibbs. ‘We will also give them the opportunity of undertaking their own research in our historical collection.

‘It’s the links with people that bring archival records to life.  We’ve always found the stories of well-known and not such well-known Australians inspire our visitors in a particular way.

‘The National Archives recognises that, in the future, the records that document Australia’s history will be in the custodianship of today’s children.  The value they place on their heritage will depend largely on the inspiration they receive during their formative years.  That’s why the teachers of Australia play such a valuable role in preserving our heritage.’