Boys in Year 4 have been exploring colonisation and the events that occurred once the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Cove. Along with their studies boys have researched a convict and have been writing letters in roll back to loved ones. Boys have even written to Captain Arthur Phillip himself asking for leave.

In order for boys to experience life in the early colony, an excursion was arranged to visit The Hyde Park Barracks on Monday 19th October 2015. During this excursion boys learnt first-hand about the lives of convict prisoners who lived at the Hyde Park Barracks between 1819 and 1848. Our boys learnt about the daily rigours, routines, misdemeanours and punishments of the convicts. Experienced staff helped students explore the barracks as a site of archaeology. As they investigated rats’ nests beneath the floorboards, students learnt about the unusual role of rats in conserving the building’s history.

Boys put on convict shirts, and as new arrivals to the barracks, met Jim the assistant overseer. Jim taught them how to sleep in a hammock and the importance of following the many rules of the barracks. Under the expert tuition and the watchful eye of Jim and the Overseer, students got their hands dirty making bricks and discovered how to lay them to make a sturdy wall.    

Below is a link to a Google Story Phil Stanton put together for Class 4P.

https://goo.gl/photos/gNNg3fw3ZwMWAzBx8