In Year 4 this semester, students have embarked on an exciting Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit all about The First Fleet, connecting their learning across HASS and Technologies. This unit allows students to explore a significant historical event - the arrival of the First Fleet and the beginning of British colonisation. 

To launch the project, students took part in an entry event where they engaged in an interactive experience; imagining themselves travelling on the journey from Portsmouth, England to Botany Bay, Australia. They experienced what life might have been like on the ships, thinking about the challenges and circumstances the people experienced on board. 

Throughout the unit, students have been developing thoughtful questions, researching from a range of sources and analysing information to understand different perspectives. They have explored the diversity of experiences before and after 1788, the causes and effects of colonisation, and its impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, considering how cultural and social factors shape identity. 

For their final product, students are designing a virtual reality (VR) experience using Delightex. Their immersive project will follow a character’s journey; from the courtrooms in England, through the voyage to Australia and into life in the early settlement. This VR experience will be showcased at the upcoming Exhibition Evening. It’s sure to be an engaging and meaningful exploration of Australia’s past brought to life through creativity and technology; and we hope to see you there!

Tess Grogan

Director of Learning