Year Five

Year Five Excursion to Sovereign Hill – A Journey Through Time!

On Tuesday, our Year Five students stepped back in time with an exciting and educational excursion to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat. This immersive experience formed a key part of our current Unit of Inquiry, Where We Are in Place and Time, which explores the central idea: Significant events shape nations.

Sovereign Hill provided the perfect backdrop for students to connect with Australia’s gold rush era - a time that played a crucial role in shaping the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our nation. As they wandered the main street, students gained a deeper understanding of life during the 1850s.

A highlight of the day was exploring the underground gold mine, where students ventured deep below the surface to imagine what life was like for miners seeking their fortune. Above ground, they tried their hand at panning for gold, with a few lucky students even finding some sparkling specks!

Students also visited the Chinese camp, learning about the challenges and contributions of Chinese immigrants during the gold rush - a valuable connection to discussions around migration and multiculturalism. An expert-led educational session further enriched their understanding, giving students a chance to ask questions and deepen their historical knowledge.

Other memorable moments included the dazzling gold pouring demonstration, where molten gold was transformed into a gleaming bullion bar, and of course, a much-anticipated trip to the lolly shop, where students got a sweet taste of history with traditional boiled sweets.

This excursion brought history to life and gave students a tangible connection to their inquiry into how significant events - like the gold rush - help shape the identity of a nation. Well done to our curious historians for their enthusiasm, thoughtful reflections, and excellent behaviour throughout the day!

The Year Five Team

Adrian Jones, Ruby Ziogas, Angelina Cetin and Jonathan McFarland