From the Humanities & Cultural Studies Department

Year 10 HSIE Excursion to the Riverside Theatre

As part of their Year 10 Program, Year 10 students travelled to Parramatta in Week 6 to undertake HSIE fieldwork. The day required quick adaptability, as the proposed train strike meant transport arrangements had to be reorganised within a day, impacting our original plans. Despite these challenges, the excursion turned into a remarkable and enriching experience.

The day's highlight was an exclusive screening of WINHANGANHA by Jazz Money, which served as a follow-up to our "Rights and Freedoms" unit. This opportunity was particularly significant, as we were privileged to be the first school in Australia to view Jazz’s work, which drew on original media from Australian film and TV to construct an innovative and profoundly evocative overview of Indigenous Australian history across five chapters.

We were surprised to find out that curators from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, who had been instrumental in the film's production, were also present. They introduced the film, facilitated a stimulating Q&A session, gathered feedback from our students, and delivered a personal message from Jazz Money herself. Their presence offered invaluable insights into the creative process and the film’s powerful themes.

The film’s content was thought-provoking and sometimes confronting, challenging students to engage with complex ideas. Our Year 10 students rose to the occasion admirably, demonstrating exceptional maturity, critical thinking, and insight. Their thoughtful participation during the Q&A session highlighted their understanding of the material and ability to reflect on its broader cultural and historical implications. As always, they were outstanding ambassadors for our school, earning praise for their conduct and engagement from the Riverside staff and the NFSAA curators.

This memorable excursion was made possible through the collaborative efforts of many. Thank you to Mr Schmold, whose hard work ensured buses were arranged within 24 hours. Thanks also to Mr Heckendorf and Mr Michielsen for accompanying the group and to Ms Evans, in her absence, who suggested the Riverside Theatre visit in Term 2. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff at the Riverside Theatre for their gracious hospitality and for sourcing the film for us.

We are hoping to repeat this experience next year. This excursion to Parramatta enriched our students’ understanding of the HSIE curriculum and provided them with a unique cultural experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Tristan Forsyth

Head of Humanities