Conduct an historical inquiry through the stories and lives of our Anzacs in this engaging and creative workshop. Students discover the meaning behind the rich symbolism and emblems within the Anzac Memorial. Using art, objects and storytelling as a creative starting point, students will learn more about the places our Anzacs came from, where they went and how representation unique to the Memorial helps us remember them. Students will also take part in a unique ceremony of commemoration, drawing inspiration from their own lives as well as from the Anzacs. A small memento of rosemary will be returned to your school as an enduring symbol of the students’ experience at the Anzac Memorial. This can be nurtured so that each child can wear a sprig of rosemary on their uniform at future Anzac Day services within the community.

‘At first I thought bore History! But today, I realized how important the Anzac Memorial is (and that history isn’t boring!) I will remember courage, endurance and sacrifice.’ 

Curriculum links: History K–10: Community and Remembrance; Creative Arts K–6: Visual Arts | Key inquiry question: How and why do people choose to remember significant events of the past? | Content: Days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including Anzac Day) and the importance of symbols and emblems (ACHHK063) | Outcomes: HT2–1, HT2–5, VAS2.1, VAS2.4

With brave hearts our first Anzacs left our shores to fight on foreign soil. As investigative historians, students will follow clues throughout the Anzac Memorial that lead them to sources that reveal the stories that helped define our past. Hands on, interactive and engaging, students will immerse themselves in a pivotal part of history that helped create Australia as a nation. Students will learn about the quintessential human qualities our Anzacs possessed and how they expressed their feelings through artistic endeavours. They will then explore their own creativity in response to the unique artwork, architecture and artefacts of the Anzac Memorial using living sculpture and puppetry as an artistic medium.

‘This is deliberately the best excursion I have been on in my life!’ 

Curriculum links: History K–10: Australia as a Nation; Creative Arts K–6: Visual Arts What contribution have significant individuals and groups made to the development of Australian society? Content: The contribution of individual groups including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders and migrants, to the development of Australian society, for example in areas such as the economy, education, sciences, the arts, sport (ACHHK116) | Outcomes: HT3–3, HT3–4, HT3–5, VAS3.2, VAS3.4

In this inspiring and moving seminar, we explore the role of the Australian Light Horse and the unbreakable bond between man and horse, through literacy and drama. Discover our compelling Australian war horse story – the battles fought, won and lost that helped forge our national identity and give birth to a legend. The seminar includes a live theatrical performance of Loyal Creatures, written by Morris Gleitzman, which describes the remarkable journey of one Light Horse Trooper and his beloved horse, Daisy. Students are then invited to respond to the performance through a facilitated creative writing workshop, before taking part in a guided discovery tour of the Anzac Memorial.  

Curriculum links: English K–10: Stage 3 Creative Arts K–6: Drama Also incorporates History K–10 | Content: Speaking and Listening (EN3–1A) Writing and Representing (EN3–2A) Responding and Composing (EN3–5B) Thinking imaginatively, creatively, interpretively and critically (EN3–7C) Appreciating – Responding critically to a range of drama works and performance styles (DRAS3.4) Australia as a Nation – the contribution of individual groups to the development of Australian society (ACHHK116)