Year 1

As part of our Semester 1 Unit of work on ‘Then and Now,’ Year 1 students embarked on an exciting excursion to Elizabeth Farm. This historic site provided a perfect backdrop for our young learners to step back in time and experience life as it was in the 19th century.

The adventure began as we entered through the front door, where students were introduced to the boot scraper, a tool used to clean shoes before entering the house. In the drawing room, students were fascinated to learn how to ring the bell to call for a maid, a practice that highlighted the differences in household operations between then and now. The main bedroom and the kitchen further illustrated the daily life of the Macarthur family, offering a glimpse into the past.

One of the highlights of the excursion was the opportunity for students to participate in activities from the past. They played games that the Macarthur children would have enjoyed, such as quills, hoop rolling, cup and ball, and quoits. Additionally, students took part in domestic duties, including hand washing clothing, which gave them a hands-on understanding of the chores of the past.

Students also had the chance to use quill and ink to write their names. They quickly realised that this was much harder than using the pens we are fortunate to have now, providing a deeper appreciation for modern conveniences.

Overall, the excursion to Elizabeth Farm was a memorable and educational experience for our Year 1 students. It allowed them to explore history in a tangible way and appreciate the differences and similarities between life ‘Then and Now.’

Kelly Garcia, Erin Horne and Yasmine Kaballan
Year 1 Teachers