Individuals & Societies

Year 7

In Unit 1, Year 7 students investigated the idea of how early humans built their societies and, in particular, the differences that arose when humans stopped their nomadic lifestyle and settled into farming. Individual research raised questions about whether a nomadic tribal life was better and healthier than a sedentary and larger scale society. The answers that students came up with were provocative and insightful and generated further discussion about our current lifestyles. Projects ranged from written reports to slide presentations and artistic creations of Palaeolithic structures.

In Unit 2, students took on the role of archeologists trying to reconstruct the past from fragmentary evidence. The artefacts were analysed and discussed and then used as a basis to make deductions on life in Minoan Crete and the problems which historians faced when trying to reconstruct the past. They were then encouraged to read widely about Minoan Crete. Students were able to bring a range of different skills to the process which gave rise to a rich and interesting group understanding. For parts of the Unit we worked with Anna Williams on integrating what we had learnt about Minoan Crete, with Design elements. There were clear benefits for most students in being able to apply their research and knowledge to design.

In Unit 3 this term, students will be asked to investigate an aspect of Ancient Greek society and investigate the way in which the Ancient Greeks developed their sense of identity and culture in response to their situation in time and space. Already a range of topics have been chosen from Greek theatre, mythology, the Olympic Games, and life in Sparta to Greek Art and the origins of democracy. As students are able to choose their own mode of presentation (video, slide, models, written pieces to name a few) we are looking forward to seeing what they produce.

Year 8

Medieval Diaries

Students have been investigating life in Medieval times. The class became a Medieval village located near York in England, with each member taking on one of the village characters – there were peasants, farmers, a midwife, nuns, a monk, blacksmith, minstrel, knights, lords and ladies. As a group we looked at documents and interesting documentaries depicting these times. The role and power of the church underpinned much of our work.

Other class topics were the feudal system, the power of the lords and knights, weaponry and finally the Crusades. Students completed research to answer questions they had about their character’s lifestyle in this hierarchical feudal society. The cover of the diary demonstrated their skills and knowledge of illuminated manuscripts.

Click on this link to read diary entries by Matthew and William.

The Pilgrimage

Students left their Sackville Street village to make a pilgrimage to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church building in Australia. There, they respectfully explored the church.

All were amazed at golden light that flooded the church, the stained glass windows depicting religious stories and the vastness of the vaulted ceiling. Having walked down the side aisles they paused at the sanctuary before viewing the seven chapels. Students sat in the pews and reflected on what their Medieval character may have felt.

Year 9

With so many significant events happening in the world it is timely to use our sessions in Individuals and Societies to reflect on the nature of these events. As global citizens, it is important to have some understanding of what specific events have taken place, how these affect international relationships, how the world responds and how this shapes our understanding.

Our focus will be on England’s recent Brexit decision and the history and significance of the European Union.

We will view recent incidents in America that have led to the increased activity of the Black Lives Matter movement. Rallies in Australia have shown ‘solidarity’ after US racial violence, and highlighted the discrimination and racism of indigenous Australians. Students will view video clips, read a range of newspaper sources and engage in discussion.

June McKenzie and Mary Ann Metcalf

Teachers of Individuals & Societies

Years 7-9