Category Archives: History Teaching

Captain Moonlite

Posted on October 4, 2011 | 1 comment

Following Sunday’s (2/10) epidsode of Wild Boys it seems like there is one Bushranger that deserves a greater mention.  Captain Moonlite is not just a fictional TV character, he was a real person and one of the most infamous characters of the Ballarat goldfields region.

The producers of Wild Boys clearly based their Captain Moonlite on the real man and they have included a number of acurate details.  We thought we would take the oppotunity to share some more about his life and some ideas for exploring this goldfields character and related topics in your classrooms.

Andrew George Scott (image: State Library Victoria)

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Bushrangers on the Goldfields

Posted on September 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

With the new popular TV program ‘Wild Boys’ gracing our screens it seems timely to discuss the presence of Bushrangers during the gold rushes.  While the TV show glosses over a few historical details, drawing on popular culture such as this can be used as a powerful hook to engage students in history.  They can even become historians who investigate the historical accuracy of such programs, from people and attitudes to building construction and details of daily life – an interesting and empowering activity no doubt.

Bushrangers certainly existed in colonial Australia and some thrived during the gold rush.  Unidentifiable gold was an alluring target, as were the many naive new chums arriving in the colony.   A large part of the British Redcoats‘ role in the colonies was to act as a gold escort between the diggings and Melbourne.   The situation was further affected by the presence of numerous ex-convicts harbouring resentment towards authority figures and the limited number of police; including some untrained and allegedly corrupt officers.  It was a potent mix and a complex social scenario.

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Books for teaching History – Bridie’s Fire

Posted on August 24, 2011 | 4 comments

Well written and accurately researched historical fiction can provide a useful window into the past and an accessible entry into another time for students (and for teachers!).

One such historical novel we love here at Sovereign Hill is Bridie’s Fire by Melbourne author Kirsty Murray (Allen & Unwin, 2003).

Bridie’s Fire published by Allen and Unwin

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Books for teaching History – Queen Victoria’s Underpants

Posted on August 24, 2011 | Leave a comment

With Book Week upon us, we thought a book suggestion would be appropriate. One of the Notable Picture Books in this year’s Children’s Book Council Awards was Queen Victoria’s Underpants – by Jackie French and Bruce Wheatly.

Published by Harper Collins

In the early years of schooling the study of history is often about children noting simple differences between today and the past. During Book Week we are running an activity for early year’s students using this book and we have found it to be a great conversation starter. The story provides a great opportunity to discuss differences in clothing and lifestyle and the reference to underpants is always enjoyed and often prompts lively conversation.

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The Redcoats – Connecting History Lessons

Posted on August 15, 2011 | 2 comments

One of the most iconic images of Sovereign Hill is that of the marching redcoats.  Daily they draw large crowds to their marching and firing demonstration.  They are exciting and entertaining to watch.  They can also prompt a thought-provoking question to students – why are they here?

The 40th Regiment at Sovereign Hill

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Lola Montez – the Lady Gaga of her day!

Posted on August 10, 2011 | 1 comment

One of the most interesting ways to study a period of history is to look at the life of a real person, especially when that person is a colourful character whose life is so full of stories and scandals that they almost seem a work of fiction.  Lola Montez was one such person.

Lola Montez at Sovereign Hill

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