Year 9 History Incursion

On Monday 15 June, students in Year 9 participated in an engaging history incursion. Through
interactive performances and hands on activities, we gained a deeper understanding of life during the
World Wars and the experiences of those who lived through them.

The incursion began with a brief overview of World War I, World War II, and significant events that
occurred in between, such as the Great Depression. This provided historical context that aligned with our
current unit of study on the World Wars. Students then saw two talented historical interpreters portray
characters from the era.

The first character was a young woman from Sydney whose husband had enlisted to fight in the war.
Through her stories about taking on a job, raising a child, and supporting the war effort, we learnt about
the vital roles women played in preserving Australia’s economy when men were serving overseas.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions which made the session interactive and engaging,
allowing us to better understand the challenges faced by ordinary women at the time.

The second character was a military commander preparing new recruits for service in Kokoda. He
explained what soldiers could expect during combat in the jungle, discussed survival and shared insights
into the nature of warfare. Again, students were encouraged to ask questions which helped build on their
understanding of the experiences of Australian soldiers and the conditions they endured.

To conclude the incursion, we explored a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, including both
original items and carefully crafted replicas. Students were able to interact with objects such as combat
helmets and uniforms from the war, and everyday civilian items such as currency from the period.
Examining these objects up close was extremely insightful and gave us a greater appreciation for the
realities of war and the experiences of those who lived through it.

Overall, the history incursion was an insightful and enjoyable experience that deepened our
understanding of warfare in World War I and World War II, and encouraged us to think about history from
the perspectives of the people who lived through it. (Sanjana – Yr 9 History Student)

Marissa Watson, Teacher