Humanities  

Politics and History Excursion

On Wednesday 4 March, the Year 11 VCE Politics and History classes made their way to the city for a two-part excursion to the State Parliament and State Library of Victoria.

Once inside the State Parliament Building, we met our local member for Kilbreda (the member for Sandringham - Brad Rowswell) in the architecturally captivating entrance hall. He took us to visit the Opposition Party Room, which is not on the official tour.  He told us about his job, his role in the Parliament, his leadership and stepping stones to where he is now (he is now Shadow Assistant Minister to Leader of the Opposition - a frontbencher!) and we were able to ask him many hard-hitting questions.

We had a tour of the Parliament's Queens' Hall,  before the highlight of the morning, Question Time! Here, we got to observe the showcase of quick-fire questions with intense debates-more commonly known as “ugly people’s theatre”. It was safe to say that we were taken aback by the informality and the vicious attacks by the Opposition towards the Premier. After a quick discussion with the tour guide, we had to say goodbye to Parliament House and made our way to the State Library.

Met by our tour guides on the famous (refurbished) steps of the State Library, we were then escorted into the magnificent building and were taught about the immense history of the now modern building that has been in the heart of Melbourne since 1854. We got a chance to appreciate the new and communal study spaces as well as take in the beauty and details of the famous La Trobe Reading Room. With books lining every wall and original furniture, we were all captivated and impressed by the history and charm of the lavish room. After the grand tour, we were taken into the educational space and undertook a research session with a talk by a very enthusiastic presenter. She gave us insights into source credibility, source location and how to make informed decisions about sources, something we as politics and history students will find very helpful when it comes to assignments and SACs.

Overall, we had an insightful and exciting day. We’d like to thank Ms Callaghan and Ms Marsh on behalf of the classes for allowing us to have these useful and enjoyable experiences.

Roisin  Tobin and

Charlotte Thomas

Year 11