Year 9 History Site Study – Anzac Memorial Hyde Park – Wednesday 7 May

On Wednesday 8 May, Year 9 students undertook a history excursion to the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. They viewed a monologue based on real letters, diaries and accounts, portraying the experiences of four important women who served in the Australian Medical Corps during the First World War.

Students then visited the Hall of Service, where the walls display the names of places across Australia that soldiers have come from, along with soil from each of those locations. In the centre of the floor lies a circular display surrounded by soil from 100 key battlefields where Australian soldiers fought and died. This feature was opened in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of World War I.

The group then attended a commemorative service that (for our morning group) included the Last Post, the Ode, a minute’s silence, and the Rouse. While standing in the Hall of Memory – beneath a high ceiling adorned with stars representing each Australian who served in the war – students reflected on the sacrifices made by those who fought. Following this, they examined primary sources including documents, letters, badges, and uniforms from the period.

The excursion provided students with a deeper understanding of the impact that the sacrifices of these men and women have had on the modern world, and highlighted the lasting significance of their bravery in today’s society. 

Thank you to the students for their reverent and respectful engagement in the day and to staff for assisting on the day. 

Mrs Lauren Bird, HSIE Coordinator