IB History Excursion: The Shrine of Remembrance Anniversary

Most of us are familiar with the wreaths in classrooms, poppies on chests and calls of the Last Post bugle that mark our annual day of remembrance in Australia. But, what do these traditions contribute to our community today? Is the message of remembrance still valued by our current generation? And will poppies be worn on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, of the 3000th year?

These were the questions and conversations the Year 1 IB History class participated in as part of the 90th Anniversary of the Shrine of Remembrance and through a recorded panel hosted by the ABC’s Natasha Mitchell. 

We had the opportunity to hear from three young leaders, two of which were fellow high school students which gave us insight into how we as young people can get involved with the shifting big ideas in our community. 

However, possibly the most compelling part of the event was when Natasha opened the mic to the floor and invited the audience of high school students and teachers to share their own experiences with commemoration as well as insights into how it can be adjusted to our current reality. The group considered how AI could further connect students to soldier’s stories, how we can make the experience of commemoration more inclusive for historically unrecognised First Nations soldiers or immigrants who feel disconnected and how we should traverse online spaces of misinformation to critically consider current events. As a class we reflected especially on the purpose of commemoration, for if it is to remind us of the effects of war in order to prevent history from repeating itself, has this been successful in light of the conflict in Ukraine and the genocide in Gaza? And if not, how do we as young people or even as Australians operate within those political spaces to advocate for collective security and peaceful diplomacy? 

Overall, we were highly appreciative of this experience, especially as it aligns so well with the style of the IB History curriculum which encourages students to consider the implications of historical events but more importantly, how we study and communicate about them. We will continue exploring such questions and ideas as we move into our second year of the course and ask ourselves how our own actions reflect on history. 

If you’d like to listen to the presentations by the panelists, the insights from students including a couple MacRobbians and even Mr Desmond, feel free to listen here or at the ABC’s Big Ideas.

Soleil Premkumar (11K)

Image Credit: https://www.shrine.org.au/