Humanities and Social Sciences

Year 10 Students Explore Perth's Geography of Wellbeing

Last week, our Year 10 Humanities and Social Sciences students participated in an excursion to Elizabeth Quay, the WA Museum Boola Bardip, and Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square) to investigate Indigenous and non-Indigenous wellbeing in the Perth area.

At Elizabeth Quay, students took part in a cultural walking tour led by Justin Martin from Djurandi Dreaming. They explored how public spaces can reflect Indigenous heritage through architecture and artwork. Students were asked to consider how spaces like the BHP Water Park and the First Contact sculpture convey stories of connection to Country and cultural continuity.

At the WA Museum’s Ngalang Koort Boodja Wirn exhibit, students encountered the resilience and diversity of Aboriginal cultures across Western Australia. They reflected on the power of truth-telling in promoting reconciliation and explored how identity, language, art, and activism contribute to community wellbeing.

The final stop at Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square) offered insights into the significance of place for the Whadjuk Noongar people. Students learned how the square has long served as a meeting place, both historically and today, and how recent revitalisation efforts aim to preserve its cultural significance. They also assessed the site's social, historical, and environmental importance through hands-on observation and inquiry.

This fieldwork experience deepened students’ understanding of the geographies of wellbeing.

A big thank you to Miss Zampino, Mrs Matchado, Mr Arnold, and Mr Levy, who volunteered to assist the HASS staff in supervising our students on this valuable learning experience.

Photos by the Media Team 

Mr B Gherardi

(Head of Learnin- Humanities and Social Sciences)