The Patch Primary School held its highly anticipated History Night on Tuesday 17 October.
Parents, grandparents and friends at the Grade 2/3 night frequently commented that “I learnt so much I didn’t know about some important Australians.”
About 75 students shared their history projects on an important Australian, which they had researched and written.
They were also able to share a number of artworks they had created depicting the faces of their chosen subject.
Projects ranged from Barak to Cathy Freeman.
Even Phar Lap was chosen!
“The display and projects were the result of a four-week long process which involved a study of the history of the Dandenong Ranges from its use by the Wurundjeri people, to its timber mills, horticulturalists, artists and tourists. We looked at our school using photographs and visits from past students. As well, it included students practising the skills of questioning, researching, planning, observing, writing, drawing, and using a timeline,” the Grade 2/3 teaching team said.
“By including art in the process, our students got an enormous amount of empathy for and understanding of their chosen person.”
History allows even very young children to connect with the stories of the past and begin to realise that the stories of their families and themselves form part of something greater and will be remembered and studied in the future. It’s authentic, real learning which is valued by the parent community.
