Challenge details
The challenge
Identify a local war memorial and design a collaborative class tribute to the First World War heroes in the community.
Visit a local war memorial and find information about the:
- location (where and why)
- structure
- physical appearance
- events held at the memorial
- people and/or events it commemorates
- reason it is being preserved and its importance.
Reflect and discuss the students’ personal impressions, thoughts and feelings.
Suggestions for presentation
Podcast, slideshow, poster or video
Students could:
- produce a factual documentary describing the memorial and the local hero/es that it commemorates
- record interviews with stakeholders such as a caretaker, RSL veteran, family member
- incorporate personal reflections about the memorial and its significance
- create collages of photographs with commentary or captions
- include personal artworks
- outline campaign information to preserve the memorial site
- portray how the past is remembered at the memorial.
NSW syllabus links
Early Stage 1 - history
This challenge addresses history outcomes and content from the BOSTES NSW K-10 Syllabus incorporating the Australian Curriculum.
Outcomes
Personal and Family Histories:
A student:
Content
How the stories of families and the past can be communicated, for example through photographs, artefacts, books, oral histories, digital media and museums. (ACHHK004)
Students:
- discuss then and now; past and present.
How they, their family and friends commemorate past events that are important to them. (ACHHK003)
Students:
- share experiences of family, school and local events that are celebrated or observed
- identify and record a variety of holidays and special events observed in Australia and other countries, eg birthdays, anniversaries and festivals. Consider the significance of these dates.
Stage 1 - history
Outcomes
The Past in the Present
A student:
Content
The importance today of an historical site of cultural or spiritual significance; for example, a community building, a landmark, a war memorial.(ACHHK045)
Students:
- identify an historical site or sites in the local community. Discuss their significance, why these sites have survived and the importance of preserving them.
Resources
Related resources
Website links to specific and general background information will support students and teachers to meet the challenge outcomes.
- NSW War Memorial register collated by the NSW Government and The Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales Branch)
- The reason that war memorials were built
- Images and descriptions of the First World War memorials throughout NSW towns .
In addition, other links provide information about 21st century learning pedagogy and a selection of digital creation and presentation tools. Web links (.pdf 108KB)
Related literature
Details of a selection of stage appropriate literature that includes picture books, novels and non-fiction titles. These stories and poems may inspire, generate creative ideas and provide background information for your challenge. Related literature (.pdf 486KB)