Fremantle Roundhouse and Shipwreck Galleries 

On Thursday 29th June, Year 6 students and teachers from Rooms 3, 4, and 5 visited the Fremantle Roundhouse and Shipwreck Galleries. Students have been learning about Geography and Migration and this was an opportunity to create links with the history of the Swan River Colony

Upon arriving, students were taken on a self-guided tour of the Shipwrecks Gallery to appreciate our original Colony’s connection to the wider world. Students learned how explorers, settlers, and migrants came to visit these shores centuries ago, and what impact this had on the eventual colonisation of Perth, Western Australia.

Highlights were seeing the Batavia shipwreck and learning of the mutiny of some if its crew. Students enjoyed learning about these historical moments and completed a scavenger hunt for further information.

Students next visited the Fremantle Roundhouse for a guided tour where they learned the story of migrant John Gavin. A 15-year-old migrant boy from England was convicted and executed for the murder of 18-year-old George Pollard, the son of the farming family he was employed to. Students visited his cell and learned how the Roundhouse connected to the establishment of the Colony.

A major highlight was the opportunity for one lucky student, Millie Khine Hsu Thwe, selected as the honorary gunner to fire the cannon at 1.00pm. This moment concluded the day’s excursion as students enjoyed some free play atop the Roundhouse lawn soaking in the warm winter sunshine.

We look forward to returning next year as we grow students’ awareness of Western Australia’s link to European Explores and resulting Migration.