HSIE students have engaged in a variety of enriching learning experiences throughout the semester.

The ANZAC Day College Assembly was led and run by the HSIE Faculty and the Year 9 History Elective Class. Year 9 Students conducted a thematic study on commemorating the ANZACs. This saw them plan and prepare a theme, research and investigate the order of service and flag protocols of a commemorative event and most significantly, recognise the importance of the service and sacrifice of Australia’s veterans.

Year 10 History students engaged in an immersive learning experience about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War through their History Incursion. Presented in collaboration with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia and led by dedicated volunteers Vin and Nancy Cosgrove. Students had a unique educational experience connecting them directly with those who lived through this significant period in Australia’s history. This was the 19th year that Vin and Nancy Cosgrove have presented at the College.

Students were deeply moved by Brett Hunt’s powerful musical monologue, ‘Dusted Off’. As the son of Vietnam War veteran Frank Hunt, Brett shared his family’s story with honesty and emotion, exploring the challenges faced by returned soldiers, the lasting impact of PTSD and the broader emotional toll of war on families. His performance was both powerful and personal and offered students a unique lens through which to examine the human side of conflict.

Students across the College had the opportunity to compete in the Australian Geography Competition to test their geographical skills and knowledge against students across Australia. Congratulations to the 50 students who participated in the competition, which was run nationwide across 600 schools.

Year 9 Commerce students recently participated in a hands-on Excursion to Glenmore Park Town Centre, visiting ALDI, Woolworths and Coles. Students had the opportunity to observe the various strategies and tactics employed by retailers to attract customers and influence their purchasing decisions.

During the excursion, students took part in the Family Shopping Budget Challenge, applying their classroom knowledge of comparison shopping in a real-world context. This practical experience helped students better understand consumer behaviour, budgeting and value for money—essential skills for both their studies and everyday life.

As part of their Semester 1 unit Let’s Go Global, Year 10 Commerce students recently took part in an engaging Excursion to local branches of ALDI and McDonald’s. The purpose of the visit was to explore the impact of globalisation on everyday consumer experiences and to observe how transnational corporations operate at a local level. This experience helped students apply their classroom learning and consider how to respond ethically as global consumers.

Year 12 Ancient History recently travelled to the National Museum in Canberra to experience the highly anticipated Pompeii exhibition. This rare opportunity allowed students to view original artefacts from the archaeological site of Pompeii—on display in Australia for the first time.

The excursion enriched their Core Study, Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum, by offering valuable insight into the daily lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants and the archaeological techniques used to uncover their stories. Viewing interactive displays including a simulation of the volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius and seeing artefacts firsthand provided a unique and powerful connection to the ancient world—an experience second only to visiting Pompeii itself.

Mrs Lisa Rowe

Acting Leader of Learning HSIE

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