Tarryn Milner | Head of Department (HASS)

Throughout Semester 1, our Year 9.1 students embarked on a historical journey, exploring Australia’s role in the First World War and gaining an understanding of the experiences of the ANZACs at Gallipoli. While classroom discussions, historical sources and photographs helped build this knowledge, we wanted to take learning one step further.

To bring history to life, our class loaned the World War I Memorial Box from the Geraldton Regional Library, providing students with the opportunity to engage with history in a hands-on and meaningful way.

The Australian War Memorial (2021) describes the Memorial Box as:

“This Memorial Box explores the Australian experience of the First World War. It includes objects that explore the Anzac experience, and the involvement of over 416,000 Australian soldiers, sailors, airmen, and nurses – as well as those on the home front – during a defining period of our nation’s history. Their stories come to life as you unpack the real and replica First World War items in this box.”

As the Memorial Box was unpacked, students eagerly gathered around to examine the collection of real and replica artefacts. Items they had previously only seen in photographs were suddenly in front of them, sparking curiosity, thoughtful discussion and plenty of questions. Students were surprised by the weight of the steel helmet and the coarse, scratchy texture of the replica uniform—details that photographs and textbooks simply cannot convey.

Although no classroom activity can truly replicate the realities faced by Australian soldiers, handling these artefacts helped students develop a deeper appreciation of the physical challenges and hardships experienced by the young men and women who served during the First World War. Many students left the lesson with a renewed sense of respect for those who served and a greater understanding of why their stories continue to be remembered today.

Reflecting on the experience, one student shared:

“I never realised how heavy the helmet was. It made me think about what the soldiers had to carry every day.” — Ethon R

Another student commented:

“I walked away with a lot more respect for the ANZACs because I could actually see and feel what they had to use.” — Isobel T

Moments like these remind us that the most powerful learning often happens when students can move beyond reading about history and begin to connect with it in a meaningful and personal way.

Australian War Memorial. (2021, April 12). Australia in the First World War – Memorial Box 1. https://www.awm.gov.au/learn/memorial-boxes/1

Alex, Laura and Ebony examining a map of an area in Gallipoli.

Henry wearing a replica ANZAC uniform.

Ethon wearing a replica ANZAC uniform.

Laura holding a victory medal.

Becca holding a Memorial Plaque given to next of kin.

Marley wearing a Red Cross nurse’s uniform.