Class 8 concluded Term Three with a study of The Making of the Modern World, focusing on World War I and Australia’s involvement both on the front lines and at home. While the subject is sobering, students engaged with it thoughtfully-bringing curiosity, respect, and creativity to their work.

The lesson began with an investigation into the causes of the war and the ways these global events shaped Australian society, both at the time and in the years that followed. Students considered the significance of Gallipoli, reflecting on the courage shown and the lasting legacy of the ANZAC. Sharing ANZAC biscuits together offered a tangible connection to the past, sparking reflection on some of the difficult conditions at Gallipoli: scarce food, limited medical aid, inadequate weaponry, and treacherous terrain.

The class also examined trench warfare, re-creating a “battle” in the classroom between the Central and Allied forces. This hands-on activity offered insight into the layout of the trenches and the emotional and physical hardships soldiers endured.

To capture the atmosphere of the time, students designed striking propaganda posters, echoing the persuasive tactics once used to encourage enlistment.

Personal stories brought the history even closer. Some students researched their own family connections to the war, uncovering moving tales of service and sacrifice. The class also wrote letters from the perspective of soldiers, learning how censorship shaped what could—and could not—be written home. These letters revealed both empathy and thoughtful insight into the human side of war.

Through this Main Lesson, students gained not only a deeper understanding of history but also an appreciation of freedom, responsibility, and the shared experiences that connect us across time.

Fiona Forsyth

Main Lesson/Art Teacher