Humanities News

Ancient History Excursion

By Hamish Woods

On February 1, the Year 11 Ancient History class had the privilege of embarking on a journey to the renowned Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology, located in Caboolture to participate in an archaeological dig.  Upon arrival, students were introduced to a variety of real medieval fossils, relics, and artefacts – some thousands of years old. The museum holds a collection of extremely old statues, artefacts, religious totems, and recounts from all over the world; all of which helped us to develop our knowledge of the way of life and the belief during these time periods.  To finish off the excursion, students were involved in a simulated Roman interactive digging activity that involved the unearthing of what would have been a Roman house dating all the way back to around 200 AD.  The day was an excellent opportunity to widen our horizons on future careers and help us understand a range of different after-school paths available to history students at MCA.  Overall, the excursion was a fantastic opportunity that enriched our (the students’) understanding of interesting topics, future careers, and their place in history.  A special thanks must go to the staff at the Abbey Museum and to our teacher, Mr Mathison for their work during the day.

Year 10 History

On Monday 13 February, the Year 10 History students ventured to the University of Queensland to delve into the ancient world of Egypt. Spending time in the Antiquities Museum being spoken to about the amazing display of treasures and artefacts, we learnt about funeral masks, shabtis and mummification, and how social class determined just how elaborate your death could be.  All of this built upon what we had covered in class as well. Furthermore, we also had an opportunity to have a truly “hands on” experience with more treasures from a range of tombs uncovered in the Valley of the Kings.  Donning gloves and our archaeological skills, we examined and identified several significant Egyptian relics, getting quite the feel for life in Egypt’s New Kingdom.  Many thanks to our guides, Tyler and Rory from the Antiquities Museum, and our teachers, Mr O’Brien, Ms Davids and Ms Spillane for accompanying us.  Here’s hoping that there was no mummy’s curse that followed us back to Marist. 

Year 12 Geography – Overnight Camp

By Archie Bathe

Last Thursday and Friday, 9 and 10 February, the Year 12 Geography class attended an overnight camp at the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre in the Gold Coast Hinterland.  We surveyed two sites, one undisturbed with the local ecosystem intact, and then canoed to another, where lantana, one of the most successful invasive species in the world, has taken over.  We collected data using ArcGIS mapping and QuickCapture, which will be transformed into a field report to contribute to our second Internal Assessment instrument. The experience was refreshing and insightful, and certainly one of the best aspects of studying senior geography.  Special thanks must go to all the staff at the Education Centre for their hard work over the two days as well as our teachers, Ms Badini and Mr Denkes.