Class 8 spent the last two weeks of Term 3 with a history Main Lesson, exploring the Making of the Modern World, with a focus on World War One.  By Class 8, students begin to examine the depth of the causes of historical events, and the underpinning personal stories behind these. Also known as the Great War, students learnt how World War One first unfolded in Europe and the consequential and devastating effects on a global scale. In the first week, students looked the building of tensions in Europe at the end of the age of the colonial empires, culminating in the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand to then spark a devastating and chaotic war.  

Class 8 had the opportunity to explore war propaganda, and the expression of this in enlistment posters, where students created their own. We shared discussions about why young people may wish to join a war, and the range of factors that varied as the war progressed and stagnated. It was incredibly moving to hear tales of students’ own families and their history in the wars of the twentieth century. Some poignant artefacts from home were even generously shared with the class, and with a chance to hear the stories behind these. 

As a class, we had shared moments where we could reflect on how the Great War brought about some of the best and worst in humanity, which Class 8 partook in with maturity and an understanding of the contemplative nature of this. Students also partook in immersive experiences, such as in what life would be like in the trenches, through the recreation of a trench and no man’s land in the classroom, using our desks and chairs.  

There was also a focus on how World War One shaped Australia, including an exploration of primary sources of some of the young men and women who were part of the front lines or suffering from impact of the war back home. We then spent time unpacking the Gallipoli campaign, and hearing stories of compassion and comradery from all sides. The nature of World War One allowed for the Class 8 student to explore the emergence of the unclear nature of morality, and the complexity of humanity's inner turmoil through a range of personal and historical connections. 

Alisha Watkins 

English and Humanities Teacher