SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT TASK:

Students will create a multi-modal exhibition titled “Voices of the Past, Lessons for Today”. This exhibition will highlight key events, perspectives, and individuals from Australia’s colonial past and Federation, while also addressing the importance of reconciliation, inclusivity, and understanding diverse contributions to modern Australia.

Steps for the Project:

1. Research and Inquiry (Week 1-2):

   • Students work in small groups to choose one of the following focus areas:

     • Significant events (e.g., Eureka Stockade, Federation).

     • Impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

     • Migration stories and contributions of specific groups.

     • Key figures who shaped Australia (e.g., Henry Parkes, Vida Goldstein, Pemulwuy).

   • Groups analyze historical sources and develop narratives highlighting causes, impacts, and perspectives.

2. Creating an Exhibition Piece (Week 3-4):

   • Groups create an exhibition display that combines:

     • A visual component: posters, dioramas, infographics, or digital slides.

     • A written narrative: explain the event/person’s significance, perspectives involved, and its impact on modern Australia.

     • A creative element: Students can create short video interviews, re-enactments, artwork, or first-person diary entries (e.g., imagining voices of people in the past).

3. Connecting to Modern Issues (Week 4-5):

   • Students link historical events and perspectives to modern-day issues such as reconciliation, multiculturalism, democracy, and citizenship.

   • Each group answers the question: “What lessons can we learn from the past to make Australia a fairer, more inclusive nation today?”

4. Taking Action (Week 6):

   • Students will share their exhibition with the school community:

     • Set up a “History Walk” where classes, teachers, and families view the displays.

     • Students present their findings and creative elements to visitors.

   • Encourage visitors to reflect on questions such as:
     “How does understanding history help us build a better future?”
     “Whose voices have been left out of history, and why does this matter?”

5. Reflecting and Advocating:

   • Students reflect on their learning and identify ways to take action in their community:

     • Writing letters to acknowledge Indigenous perspectives and history (e.g., a statement to school leaders).

     • Creating a poster campaign promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity.

     • Proposing school-wide actions for National Reconciliation Week or Harmony Day.

End Product:

• A multi-modal exhibition showcasing visual, written, and creative components.

• A “Voices for Change” reflection where students propose steps for promoting reconciliation, inclusivity, and understanding in their community.