In Term 4, the Year 12 Australian History class had the opportunity to hear from Australian Historian Richard Broome AM, who ran a university-style lecture with them at Carey. The lecture addressed their study, Power and Resistance, which has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia from 1788 to 1998. When the students found out they were having a session with one of their favourite historians they were a bit starstruck, which reflected the passion and interest that they continued to have for their study of Australian History throughout the year.
Richard Broome AM, Emeritus Professor of History at La Trobe University, is a long-standing supporter of History education for teachers and students throughout Victoria. He is one of Australia's most respected scholars of First Nations history, being the author and co-author of 20 books and many articles in Australian and Aboriginal History. Richard was the series editor of the students’ textbook Analysing Australian History, Power and Resistance, 1788–1998.
The students reflected their gratitude for Richard coming and running the session for them and a few of their thoughts are reflected in the comments below:
‘Thank you so much for visiting us and sharing so much of your knowledge, it was a great experience, and we all really appreciated it. Some highlights:
- Your ability to share complex historical perspectives in such an engaging and accessible way was greatly appreciated, and it has deepened our understanding of the experiences, challenges, and resilience of Aboriginal peoples throughout Australian history.
- It was interesting to go in depth about civilisation and the effects on Aboriginal peoples, and to hear from a historian we read books about in real life!
- Your talk not only provided valuable context for our studies, but also encouraged us to think more critically about the narratives we encounter and the importance of diverse voices in shaping Australia’s history.
- Your presentation deepened my understanding of the subject and encouraged me to think more critically about the ways in which Australia’s past continues to shape our present.’
I forwarded the students’ comments to Richard, and he responded, ‘I have received feedback … from teachers after HTAV events, but I have never received feedback in writing from students before! It is really valuable, and very humbling. It is good to know that I have added value to their learning, and it seems that I also really helped many students to consolidate their ideas and knowledge by learning things again in another way. Some were so articulate about this.’
Richard’s session gave the students an opportunity to learn from and engage with a professional historian who has dedicated their career to researching and sharing their passion for Australian History. It brought their study to life, and gave them confidence going into their final exam, where they could confidently answer the questions which required them to apply this content.
Jo Leech
Senior School History Teacher
