Humanties Student of the Week

Studying the Humanities challenges young people to critically investigate the “complex processes that have shaped the modern world” as well as the ways in which “humans have faced and continue to face different challenges” (Education Ministers’ Alice Springs Declaration, 2020). 

Students who engage with the Humanities develop knowledge and skills to become confident and creative individuals, and to be successful lifelong learners and active and informed members of the community.

This week’s Humanities Student of the Week, Year 8 student Meaghan Gould, is one such person. 

Congratulations Meaghan, you have been working extremely hard and achieving wonderful results in Mr Vince’s History class - Command and Conquer. 

We asked Meaghan a few questions about what she enjoys most in History and what helps her to succeed.

Tell us a bit about your subject and what makes it so enjoyable:

I enjoy History because my teacher, Mr Vince, is genuinely passionate about his subject, and he always makes the lessons fun. Learning about ancient cultures is fascinating because of the way they used to think about the world, as their views are very different from today's world. 

What are you currently studying in History?

Last term we studied the Mongols and Ghengis Khan's empire. I enjoyed learning about the Mongols because they conquered and made the largest land empire in world history, this is incredible. I enjoyed learning about the different techniques they used to defeat enemies.

In this term we are learning about the Ancient Aztecs and Spanish exploration, and even though we are only into the second week I have already learnt so much, like how the native Americans were treated, and how the Aztecs made some of the most advanced farming builds, floating market gardens or chinampas, that we have never been able to recreate as well as they built them, even though we have so much modern technology today.

Thank you, Meaghan, that does sound fascinating. Indeed, there is so much we can learn from Indigenous cultures. Now, what are some of your tips to stay focused in class?

The way I study is just paying attention in class and taking good notes. One of the ways I manage to focus and pay attention is because of my teacher, Mr Vince. He is a very good teacher and is interesting to listen to. A good teacher makes the subject more fun. If you engage in class, the teacher gives you the information, and if you listen you will get the information you need to really understand the topic. Before tests, I re-read my notes and make sure I have all the information I need. So, it’s really useful to have notes and to know where they are.

One final message for our readers?

I think everyone should study History, because in the words of George Santanya, "Those who do not learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." And if we learn about how things affected those in the past, we can make sure not to repeat it, and make the same mistakes. Thank you so much for choosing me for Student of the Week. History is my favorite subject, and I hope that others love it as much as I do.

Thank you, Meaghan. We wish you all the best for the rest of the year and, no doubt, you have picked History again as one of your subjects next year!

Lyndon Vince 

Humanities Teacher

Ruth Phillips

Humanities Learning Leader