Year 9 Aotearoa New Zealand Studies students over the past two weeks have been given the opportunity to enter imaginatively into the past and experience what life was like for people living in Māwhera during World War One. Each Year 9 class spent a day at Shantytown completing a range of hands-on activities prepared and delivered by Judi Mears and Lisa Barbour.

The first activity was set in the historic school room where Judi, dressed in typical clothing from the period with her supporting cane, delivered a presentation which overviewed the experiences of people during the time and how the war impacted on the community. This was followed up by a scavenger hunt, based on a letter to a soldier from the time. Students, in collaborative groups, ventured around Shantytown seeking answers to clues and events mentioned in the letter. This was a very popular and challenging task.

After a brief break the classes were divided into two groups; The first group went with Lisa and learned about food parcels which were sent to soldiers abroad. They then wrote personal letters to soldiers and prepared a food parcel to help bolster the soldiers’ morale. Meanwhile the second group, under the tutelage of Judi, were marched to the hospital, to experience what it was like for wounded soldiers and the medical teams at the warfront. Obviously there were no antibiotics and ether was the main form of anesthetic. As part of this activity a very realistic amputation was performed. After lunch the two groups swapped.

The final activity of the day was a reenactment of the return home of Māwhera VC winner, Samuel Frickleton. He came home to recuperate after war wounds in 1916, then later returned to the war where he won his VC for gallantry. The reenactment involved meeting him at the train station accompanied by his nurses, then attendance at the first ANZAC Day memorial service at the church. The students were dressed up for their roles and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

This was a worthwhile learning experience. The students commented on how good it was to be outside the classroom. Special thanks must be given to Judi and Lisa for making this learning experience such a rewarding one.