History Medal

Selkirk Colonial Society promote new educational award - see newspaper article

In 2016 a new medal was awarded to senior history pupils as a result of a unique partnership between the High School and Selkirk Colonial Society.  With the history class already looking at ‘’Migration and Empire’’ and in particular ‘’the impact of Scots on the Empire’’ the Colonials saw an opportunity to keep local heritage alive and invite the students to undertake their research by using members of the Society as guinea pigs.

The Colonial Society challenge is for each pupil to undertake research into their subject (chosen at random from a list of volunteers) through archive material, newspaper articles and personal contact, and then to produce a piece of work telling the story of the exile and their life abroad.  The Society will assist by providing the pupils with access to archive material and background information. Selkirk Colonial Society believe that working with the School gives pupils the opportunity to fulfil the requirements of the history curriculum by using local subjects rather than more famous national figures whilst at the same time encouraging interest in the Society and local heritage. 

The Colonial Society Medal together with a cheque will be awarded for the winning article.  It is the intention of the Society to make this an annual award although the topic of the challenge may change from year to year. 

 Winner 2016 (Picture) followed by the list of all entries

At the Colonial Society Colour Bussin’ Concert the first medal was awarded to the winner Sarah Gerlam for her story of the life of Dorothy Bjorklund now resident of Sweden.  The presentation was made by Mrs Wilma Burgon, Head Teacher of the High School.  Sarah also received a cheque from the Society.  Mrs Burgon expressed her delight at the initiative and looked forward to many years of working in partnership with the Society.  

Winner 2017 (Picture) followed by all the entries

At the Colonial Society Colour Bussin’ Concert the medal was awarded to the winner Abbie Linton for her story of the life of Jessie Camerer (formerly Finney) now resident of America.  

Winner 2018 followed by the entries

At the Annual Concert the medal was awarded to Polly Bell (picture on this link) for her story on the lives of three members of the Linton family who emigrated in the early 1900s. All the entries this year centred on the Linton family - there were 9 siblings and the students were invited to select from them.

Entries were received from 6 students (a small class this year). Follow links below to view entries -

1. Polly Bell   2. Lewis Beattie   3. Iona McEwan   4. Hannah Kemp   5. Chloe Logan   6. Callum Anderson