In their Geography Main Lesson this term, Class 9 students have ventured through time and across lands - from the highest mountains to the deepest trenches, and even to the Earth’s hidden core - to understand our planet as a dynamic, living being. Students have learned how the Earth is constantly shaped by both internal and external forces, as well as how these processes impact landscapes, people, and cultures.  

We began by exploring the deep, ancient history of the Earth, stretching back billions of years, to better understand how our unique planet came to be able to support life. Students examined the Earth’s structure, learning about the unseen layers beneath our feet. Using scientific descriptions and measuring to scale, they created imaginative drawings to represent these hidden layers.  

Much of this Main Lesson involved looking at significant landforms both locally and globally. We delved into Western Australian landscapes, considering how the Earth can be shaped by different weather and climate conditions. Students were encouraged to explore their own personal connections to place. This activity aligned nicely with Reconciliation Week, offering a meaningful moment of reflection. Students wrote thoughtful pieces on places they’ve visited that hold special meaning for them, tying their own personal memories to a broader understanding of Country and connection to land. 

We also studied creation myths from around the world; stories that explore the origins of the Earth and human life. Students compared these tales, identifying common themes such as light and darkness, male and female energies, and the division between heaven and earth. It was fascinating to see the common threads of wisdom and belief between different cultures.  

 In our global explorations, students were introduced to the dramatic power of plate tectonics through case studies of landforms such as the Himalayas, the Andes, the San Andreas Fault and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Observing visual examples helped the students to grasp concepts like continental drift theory, types of plate boundaries, and the natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, that can result from tectonic activity. Students crafted acrostic poems on the theme of volcanoes. Using descriptive language, they brought concepts like magma, ashfall, and eruptions to life through vivid, imaginative writing. 

Building on the idea of natural hazards, students read about the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, a devastating event that helped bring to life the real-world impact of Earth’s powerful forces. Inspired by this, students worked in groups to research a natural disaster of their choice. They then applied their knowledge to designing and constructing educational board games. This project was creative, immersive and fun. Students tackled challenges with increasing maturity and developed their problem solving, as well as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. 

Our Class 9 students have demonstrated curiosity, creativity, and a growing understanding of Earth’s powerful forces. This Main Lesson has been an inspiring blend of science, culture, and storytelling; helping students connect on a deeper level with the Earth and their role as future stewards of its well-being. 

Chiara Corbet  

English and Humanities Teacher