Throughout Term Three at Tombolo, our students are embarking on an exciting journey through history as we explore our overarching learning theme: The Great Civilisations: How Have They Impacted Our World Today?
From ancient inventions and medieval societies to mythology, literature, medicine, religion, philosophy and civil rights, students across the school are investigating how the ideas, achievements and experiences of people throughout history continue to influence the world we live in today.
Platypus (Primary) Class
Our Primary students in Platypus are diving into the world of Warriors, Gods & Legends, exploring ancient civilisations including Egypt, Greece, China, the Indus Valley and the Maya. Through English, students are using these fascinating cultures as inspiration for narrative, informative and persuasive writing.
Their learning has been extended with STEM projects inspired by ancient technologies and inventions, including Archimedes’ water screw, sundials and Egyptian reed boats. Students are also exploring ancient artistic techniques, developing filmmaking skills in Performing Arts and continuing to build their independence and creativity through cooking and individual project tasks.
Lorikeet Class
For our Lorikeet students, Humanities takes us into Medieval Europe and the Renaissance, exploring pivotal events such as the Norman Conquest, the feudal system, Magna Carta, the Black Death, the Crusades and the Islamic Golden Age. Students will then discover how the Renaissance transformed art, science, politics and society, including the influence of powerful families such as the Medicis and Borgias.
Their Philosophy studies provide another perspective on civilisation through an exploration of Islam, including its beliefs, practices, history and cultural influence. In Resilience, Rights and Respectful relationships (RRR), students connect historical and contemporary learning through Health and Nutrition, considering how everyday choices influence health and wellbeing. In English, students are exploring Percy Jackson and the Olympians, using its modern retelling of Greek mythology to examine character, conflict, heroes and the ways ancient myths continue to be reimagined for contemporary audiences.
Echidna Class
Our Echidna students are exploring the dramatic changes of the 20th Century, investigating the rise and fall of empires, Australian Federation, communism, the World Wars, the Cold War and movements for political rights and women’s suffrage. By examining these events, students are encouraged to consider how decisions and conflicts from the past continue to shape societies today.
In Philosophy, their exploration of African Traditional Religions, including Yoruba and Igbo perspectives, provides an opportunity to understand diverse belief systems and the role of ancestors, rituals and spirituality within communities. Their Rights, Responsibilities & Respectful Relationships (RRR) learning focuses on Digital Health and Wellbeing, equipping students with the skills to navigate our modern digital civilisation safely, responsibly and respectfully. In English, students are studying Norse mythology, exploring stories of gods, heroes and legendary figures while considering the values, beliefs and cultural ideas reflected in these traditional tales.
Koala Class
For Koala students, Medicine Through Time explores the evolution of healthcare, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing practices and ancient medical thinkers such as Hippocrates and Galen, through the Black Death and Renaissance, to germ theory, public health reforms and Medicare. Students will see how knowledge, technology and changing beliefs have transformed the way we understand health.
In Philosophy, stories become a doorway into questions about happiness, justice, kindness and responsibility, while RRR explores Civil Rights Movements in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the ongoing impact of individuals and communities in creating social change. In English, students are exploring Japanese storytelling through literature, manga and anime, considering how character, narrative, visual style and cultural perspectives are communicated across different forms.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our students began the term with a visit to Kryal Castle, where they experienced medieval life through hands-on workshops in arms and armour, archery, leatherwork, medieval games and apothecary practices. These immersive experiences bring history to life and help students connect classroom learning with the sights, skills and experiences of people from the past.
On Friday 11 September, students will come together for our Great Civilisations Day, a whole-school celebration of our learning. Through interactive activities, challenges and projects, students will explore the cultures, technologies, achievements and daily lives of historical civilisations.
The afternoon will feature a special visit from Medieval Incursions, including medieval metalworking, knightly tournaments, martial displays, discussions about medieval society and opportunities to explore historical replica artefacts.
Students are also invited to dress as a figure from one of the civilisations they have studied, adding to the excitement and immersive atmosphere of the day.
At Tombolo, we believe that learning history is about much more than remembering dates and events. It is about asking questions, making connections and understanding how the choices, discoveries and ideas of those who came before us continue to shape our world.
This term, our students are not simply studying great civilisations, they are discovering their lasting impact on the world we share today.
To find out more about our teaching philosophy, join us for our upcoming Open Evening on Thursday 15 October. Register at www.tombolo.vic.edu.au
