Chinese Museum Excursion

On Friday 13th May, the Year 11 & 12 Chinese language students visited the Chinese Museum as part of their VCE studies. Here are some of their experiences and photos!

Our combined Year 11 and 12 excursion to the Museum of Chinese Australian History was both culturally insightful and relevant to our current studies in VCE Chinese. We were able to learn about the history of the Han Dynasty in China, the first Chinese immigrants in Australia during the Gold Rush and how Chinese-Australians shaped the culture of our society today. Personally, I really enjoyed the section of the museum about the Chinese Immigration to Australia as the stories told were very similar to that of my own family, who had migrated to Australia during the 80's. I definitely recommend the museum to any interested members in the school community whether you study Chinese or not!

Year 12A Donald LA

The excursion to the Chinese Museum in Chinatown was a really immersive and interesting experience. As someone who has taken Chinese since year 7 as well as having Mr Ding as my Chinese teacher throughout all those years, it was fun and engaging to learn about the Chinese impact on Victoria. The museum had three levels: the top level discussing Chinese culture and the different ways that Chinese fashion, religion and culture integrated into society; the middle level discussed the Han Dynasty which was the most progressive Dynasty for China as it focused on the arts, the sciences and mathematics; the basement level was the interactive level where you could dress up and get a fortune. This excursion helped my insights of Chinese culture in Australia and fed into my love of knowledge as it was a history that I could understand and resonate with as I have studied the language and culture for 5 years.

Year 11A Crislin ROSETE

Being able to go to the Museum of Chinese Australian History was both an informative and interesting experience, as we learnt and understood the various impacts both Australian history and the Chinese migrant experience had on one another, and how they inform Chinese-Australian identity to this day. Additionally, the museum also included an interactive opportunity for us to first hand experience both the hardships and lifestyles of the first Chinese immigrants as we were able to replicate what it would have been like for those travelling across the ocean. Most of what I know and had learnt about Australian History rarely mentioned the experiences of Chinese Australians, alongside various other migrant experiences, so this excursion allowed for me to broaden my knowledge as well as gain a deeper appreciation for those before us who laid the groundwork for Australia today.

Year 12A Leanna NGUYEN