Class 8 are in the second week of a History Main Lesson, in which we are exploring the momentous Industrial Revolution which followed on from the Renaissance in Europe and spread across the Western World to America and Australia. During the first week we started off by looking at the accidental invention of the Spinning Jenny in Britain, which heralded the onset of the Industrial Revolution.

Through looking at inventions such as the steam engine, power loom and agricultural developments, and the representation of life and the changing landscape depicted in artworks and primary sources from that time, the class examined the human passage from an agrarian based society to an urban and industrial one. The Class 8 students were particularly interested in how many people's lives changed from that of a tranquil, idyllic countryside living to towns belching smoke and fumes, full of noise, poverty and industry.  

From Britain, we will cross the ocean to Australia later this week, where we will discuss the effects of industrialisation on various industries as well as on travel, migration, communication, education and daily life in 19th century Australia.  

The class has engaged in many great discussions around the lasting impact of the inventions of the Industrial Revolution to our modern world. In the final week of the Main Lesson, Class Eight are again crossing the world to learn about the events leading up to, and the beginning of the tumultuous French Revolution. We will examine the changes wrought by the pressure and perseverance of the masses in demanding, ‘Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité’ (Liberty, Equality and Fraternity). 

Ethna Brave 

Humanities Teacher  

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 

To assist with the timely delivery of your invoices, please add our email address account@pws.wa.edu.au to your safe sender list. If you need any assistance or wish to make a payment arrangement, please contact Kathryn on account@pws.wa.edu.au. Thank you.