Although ANZAC Day took place during the school holidays, students have been reflecting on its significance through a range of learning experiences since returning to school. Through experiences such as the ANZAC Memorial excursion, music, poetry, historical inquiry and writing, students have explored themes of remembrance, identity and national storytelling from a variety of perspectives.
Year 3 – Community and Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial
Today, on a special excursion to the ANZAC Memorial, Year 3 students took part in a hands-on historical inquiry to learn about the stories and legacy of the ANZACs. Through artmaking, storytelling and examining artefacts and symbols, they explored how we honour and remember those who served. The experience concluded with a reflective commemoration ceremony, helping students make personal connections to the enduring spirit of the ANZACs.
Music – The Significance of The Last Post (Winds of Change)
Music students in Year 7 and 8 explored The Last Post (Winds of Change)—a powerful reimagining of one of Australia’s most iconic ceremonial pieces.
This new arrangement honours those who have served, while offering a contemporary reflection that embraces Australia’s diverse peoples, histories and hopes for the future. Created through years of collaboration among artists and communities, the piece weaves together voices that have long been underrepresented.
Students viewed a behind-the-scenes documentary filmed at the Sydney Opera House, which shared the creative journeys and intentions behind the work. The film highlighted how collaboration, storytelling and music can deepen our understanding of remembrance in today’s Australia.
Produced by GARUWA, the project demonstrates the power of the arts in national storytelling and invites ongoing dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.
English – Exploring ANZAC Day Through Literature
As an introduction to their Australian Identity in Literature module, Year 9 English students listened to a contemporary poem written in response to ANZAC Day. They reflected on the poem and responded to a prompt exploring the connections between ANZAC Day and Australian identity.
In Year 12, Advanced English students responded to a writing prompt on ANZAC Day as part of their Craft of Writing module. Meanwhile, Year 12 Standard students explored the symbolism of ANZAC Day in poetry, drawing connections to their Module A study of Indigenous poet Ally Cobby Eckermann.
History – Understanding Gallipoli and the Legacy of ANZAC Day
Year 10 and 11 History students explored the events of the Gallipoli campaign through class discussion. Students reflected on the broader impact of World War I, including that Australia lost more soldiers in proportion to its population than any other country. The lesson highlighted how ANZAC Day commemorates not only those who served at Gallipoli, but all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars and conflicts since.
A key focus of the discussion was a message from Atatürk, the Turkish commander at Gallipoli and founder of modern Turkey, who offered words of peace and shared mourning for the fallen soldiers of both sides. Students also considered how the Gallipoli site, including ANZAC Cove, is viewed today as a place of remembrance and reconciliation.
Through these rich and reflective experiences, IGS students deepened their understanding of ANZAC Day and its continuing relevance in shaping a shared national story. Thank you to Susie Bolt Head of English, David Miller Head of Humanities, Darren Kuilenburg Director of Music and Lulu Sanderson Head of Stage 2 for guiding these learning opportunities across Music, English and History.