HSIE Faculty – Karla Treeves
Year 9 History Students Experience the ANZAC Memorial
On Friday 29 August, our Year 9 History students visited the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney for a day of moving and memorable learning experiences. The visit brought history to life in ways that kept students engaged and encouraged them to think deeply about the impact of the First World War on Australia.
The first workshop explored the story of the Australian Light Horse. An actor performed Loyal Creatures by Morris Gleitzman, a powerful tale of an Australian war horse that gave students an insight into the reasons behind Australia’s involvement in the war and the role battles such as Beersheba and Lone Pine played in shaping our national identity.
The second workshop turned the spotlight on the experiences of women in the First World War. Using letters and diary entries, the performance shared the voices of nurses and matrons who served on hospital ships at Gallipoli and beyond. Their stories gave students a new perspective on the Anzac legend and highlighted the courage and resilience of those on the frontline of Australia’s humanitarian response.
Students also explored the Centenary Exhibition and the Memorial’s commemorative spaces, uncovering stories of the Anzacs such as the sinking of the HMHS Gloucester Castle and battles at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Engaging with these personal accounts and primary sources helped students connect with the past in a meaningful way.
The excursion was both enjoyable and thought provoking, offering students an opportunity to reflect on how the experiences of the First World War continue to shape Australia’s story today.
History Week at OLM: 8–12 September
History Week at OLM was a wonderful celebration of learning, creativity, and fun. Each day brought something new for students to enjoy and get involved in.
The week began with homerooms taking on the challenge of telling ancient poetry apart from modern song lyrics. On Tuesday, students had the chance to sculpt their own Terracotta Warriors, exploring their creativity while learning about ancient China. Wednesday’s quiz highlighted the achievements of key First Nations people, while on Thursday the excitement built with a treasure hunt to recover Tutankhamun’s missing sarcophagus lid.
The week finished on a high with Friday’s History Trivia, organised by Year 11 Ancient History students, alongside the Year 7 History Excursion.
Students across the school joined in with great spirit, making History Week a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
Year 7 History Excursion to Chau Chak Wing Museum
On Friday 12 September, our Year 7 students enjoyed an immersive excursion to the Chau Chak Wing Museum, exploring an array of artefacts from ancient civilizations. The guided tour took students on a journey through Rome, Egypt, Greece, and the ancient Middle East, offering a hands-on encounter with history.
Highlights included Roman amphorae and a LEGO reconstruction of Pompeii, Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi, and ancient Greek epitaphs. Students had the unique opportunity to handle authentic artefacts, engaging in sketching and inquiry activities to explore their nature, provenance, and purpose.
Our students’ curiosity shone through, with many thoughtful questions and lively discussions sparked throughout the day. It was a highly engaging experience that brought the ancient world vividly to life and deepened students’ appreciation for history.
Mrs Karla Treeves, Acting Instructional Leader of Curriculum – HSIE