This resource will lead students in commemorating the centenary of the First World War. Students will develop historical research skills through the investigation of the use of symbols, memorials and the ANZAC spirit and their significance in Australia and across the world.
The following notes provide a brief outline of the three sections of ‘Lest we forget’. They also include suggestions on how to teach the resource but are not meant to be prescriptive.
Students will collaboratively plan ways to commemorate the centenary of the First World War within the school community in either an Anzac Day or Remembrance Day ceremony. In this way they will be sharing their knowledge with a real world audience.
Students will also develop a number of key assets for the ceremony. The assets will incorporate symbols, memorials and the ANZAC spirit to show an understanding of their significance to Australians.
The rest of ‘Lest we forget’ provides students with information on the origins and background of the Anzac legacy.
After opening the Google maps page when working in the ‘Gallipoli’ tab, you are asked to measure the distance between Albany and Gallipoli. To do this, right-click at the point of the map where Albany is located and then click ‘measure distance’. Now left-click on the point where Gallipoli is located. A line will appear which tells you the distance ‘as the crow flies’ between the two places. If you make a mistake, right click anywhere on the map and click, ‘clear measurement’.
* Note that there are conflicting song lyrics and on-screen text in the John Simpson video. It may be less confusing if the volume is low or muted.
To complete the mind-mapping activity in ‘Symbols’, sign up for a free account at bubbl.us or popplet, if you haven’t already.
Anzac symbols to research include:
-
the Last Post
-
the Rouse and the Reveille
-
red poppies
-
flags at half-mast
-
Anzac biscuits
-
Rosemary
-
wreaths of flowers
-
the Rising Sun emblem
-
the slouch hat
-
the Dawn Service
-
a minute’s silence (or two minutes on Remembrance Day)
-
the Ode (from the poem, ‘For the Fallen’)
The Anzac symbols shared presentation provides an opportunity for students to collaborate as interdependent workers towards a shared goal.
Memorials and ceremonies
Designing a war memorial
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs has information on different types of memorials.
Encourage students to explain the different parts (purpose, design, features, and inscription) and how it relates to the war or person being remembered.
An excursion to a local war memorial can be organised. Students can research a name on the memorial and base the memorial design on commemorating a local hero.
Organising an Anzac Day ceremony
The purpose of the ceremony is to give students an opportunity to consolidate their understanding about commemorating those who have died in battle. The order of service guide should be modified to suit the school community.
Students can demonstrate their understanding of commemorating those who have died in battle by incorporating their storyboards of Simpson and his donkey as a representation of the Anzac spirit. In addition, their representations of the various symbols can also be integrated. Posters can be displayed, poetry recited, bookmarks handed out and Anzac biscuits distributed.
Music for the ceremony can be downloaded from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs.
Read explanations of the icons used in this resource:
 |
This icon indicates an activity of some sort. |
 |
This icon indicates a task in which students will demonstrate empathy for the people and events of the period. |
 |
This icon indicates an interesting fact to explore further. |
This resource addresses outcomes and content in the Board of Studies NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum in History K-10. It provides an overview of content and examples of lesson activities that relate to Stage 2 – Community and Remembrance.
Days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Harmony Week, National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, National Sorry Day) and the importance of symbols and emblems (ACHHK063)
Students:
identify important Australian celebrations and commemorations and discuss their origins and significance in society.
Significance
The importance and meaning of national commemorations and celebrations, and the importance of a person or event
Comprehension: chronology, terms and concepts
Respond, read and write to show understanding of historical matters
Use historical terms
Analysis and use of source
Locate relevant information from sources provided
Explanation and communication
Use a range of communication form (oral, graphic, written) and digital technologies