HSIE Faculty
‘History is all explained by Geography’ – Robert Penn Warren
Francis Greenway High School
YEAR 11 ANCIENT HISTORY EXCURSION TO BAIAME CAVE
On Monday March 24, as part of our study on Representations of Ancient Australia, we ventured out to Baiame Cave which is situated in the foothills of the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range Milbrodale of Singleton. This is a significant archaeological site and spiritual home to the Wonnarua people. The students were able to study the incredible paintings estimated to be at least 3,000 years old.
The students were keen and asked questions of Uncle Warren who is the elder responsible for escorting and educating visitors to the area and has a vast knowledge of the oral traditions and stories handed down over generations.
I was so impressed by our wonderful students who behaved impeccably. Insightful questions and commitment to the tasks involved from Charles, Hunter, Luke, Erin, Chris, Rose, Owen, Alex and Matilda was evident all day. I would like to give a big shout out to Aunty Dawn who drove the school bus and guided us on the day. Thankyou Aunty Dawn.
The study of this site allowed us to see the magnificence of our vast cultural Indigenous heritage and gave our students the opportunity to develop skills of inquiry and understanding of the past and its relevance to our present and future.
Mrs Linda Wilkes
HSIE Faculty
Medieval Europe:
In the Junior Years, Year 8 have been learning all about medieval Europe, in recent lesson specifically, medieval castles. They discovered how castles changed over time – from wooden motte-and-bailey castles to strong stone keeps and the impressive concentric castles built to resist attacks.
To put this learning into action, students got to build their own castles in Minecraft! Using their history knowledge, they designed creative and realistic castles, adding features like moats, towers, and walls to show how people defended themselves in the Middle Ages.
The project was a great way for students to use their imagination, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, while having fun bringing history to life.
Year 8 did an amazing job – their castles were both creative and accurate. Well done!