Our Year 9 History Elective students have had many opportunities to make, participate and investigate history through their study Ancient Egypt and Crime and Punishment this term. In class, the boys mummified various fruits and vegetables in our special “natron” made with salt, bicarbonate of soda and epsom salts to recreate the ancient formula used by the Egyptian priests. The fruit mummies have been desiccating for weeks awaiting their unveiling at the end of term.

Tutankhamun made an appearance in the classroom a few weeks ago as the students investigated possible theories about his demise with “CSI Tutankhamun”. The students considered the circumstances and injuries that led to the Pharaoh’s death providing them important practice with evaluating sources. The boys are further honing their detective skills through our study of the as yet unsolved “Jack the Ripper” case. This will form their final assessment for this semester. Maybe an ERC student will “crack the case”!

As a part of our study on Crime and Punishment the Year 9 History Elective class travelled to Sydney to visit the Police and Justice Museum and the Big Dig at the Rocks. At the Police and Justice Museum the students studied artefacts related to the Pyjama Girl Mystery. They acted out a section of the trial of George Agostini who was found guilty of manslaughter after killing his wife, Linda Agostini after a ten year investigation into the case. Through this experience the students were able to examine how policing and trials have changed over time. Unanimously, the most popular exhibit at this museum was the room with the range of weapons and mugshots from the 1920s and 1930s, which included guns, knives and maces owned by the infamous Razor Gangs of Sydney.

We finished the day at The Big Dig at the Rocks. Through the studying life of forger George Legg, the students were able to understand what life was like for the former convicts in Colonial Australia. The students were able to walk through the remains of George’s house whilst hearing the story of his life. They finished the day by analysing glass, ceramic and metal objects discovered at the site. This hands-on activity allowed the students to practise their archaeological skills developed earlier in the year.

Ms Shumack

History Teacher