From dramatic reenactments of World War One, to writing and presenting radio advertisements, heatedly debating the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, and writing diary entries from different perspectives, this Class 9 Main Lesson was a busy and interactive exploration of the events leading up to the onset of World War Two.

We took up where we left off from the Class Eight study of World War One, by examining the Treaty of Versailles and the subsequent events that led to the onset of World War Two. Students were given an insight into the complexities and intricacies of the post-World War One politics in the Weimar Republic and the gradual rise of the Nazis party.

Students were challenged at times with some of the content of this Main Lesson, in particularly when we examined the progressive persecution of the Jews under the Nazi regime. While there was not a huge focus on this particular aspect of World War Two, the students nevertheless found this part of the Main Lesson confrontational.

In Semester Two, Class 9 students will further explore this topic through the study of Anne Frank’s diary in English lessons. This foundational knowledge of why World War Two started and the gradual persecution of the Jews, will stand them in good stead as they navigate this most heart wrenching and important story.