Year 9 History Excursion

The year 9 history excursion was an exceptional experience for students. The ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park, which opened in 1934, represents the sacrifice, courage, and endurance of Australian service men and women. The memorial itself was beautifully constructed, with features such as the statue in the hall of silence articulating the loss of ANZAC life in physical form, and the thousands of stars on the roof representing many of the lives lost in battle.

The excursion was guided by talented individuals who brought students on a tour through the war memorial. A live enactment of Morris Gleitzman’s story “Loyal Creatures” was performed by one of the guides, along with a dramatic enact/reading of a couple of the multitudes of letters sent home from nurses and soldiers in WWI. The plays expressed the weight of the war well, building a sense of connection between both person and story.

Overall the excursion was a great success, highlighting the deep loss and toll many war campaigns have had on ANZAC soldiers and their families, while providing a great learning and reflection opportunity for students.

Will, Year 9