This year's Year 13 history class not only saw us study History created abroad, but also History here in Canterbury!

We began the year looking into the early history of Canterbury, from the lives of local tribes such as Ngai Tahu and Te Rauparaha’s rampage, to France vs Britain in Akaroa, and the Canterbury Association as they formed and began to survey the land that would become Canterbury. 

In March, we took a break from the classroom and headed out on a day trip to Akaroa, accompanied by Mr Rogers, to learn more about both the British and French settlements made there. We met with the Akaroa area school's history teacher Mr Brittendon who showed us the tapu grounds where the Elizabeth Incident occurred at Takapuneke. This site is now thought to be more significant to New Zealand’s History than the Waitangi Treaty grounds. This area is soon to become a public reserve.

Once back in class, we began our research and report internals. We all had to choose a significant battle or campaign that New Zealand was involved in. Some topics researched were The Second Battle of Krithia, Gallipoli, The Vietnam War, Passchendaele, and the Afghanistan War. We all learnt a great deal about the sacrifices made by those serving our country.

We then moved onto looking into the Black Civil Rights Movement in America, with a specific focus on the Birmingham Campaign for our perspectives internal. Many of us were shocked at the treatment that these people received over their desire and need to end segregation.

This topic helped us to better understand current race issues occurring in America, giving us a broader understanding of why they protested for their rights.

Once we finished learning about the Black Civil Rights Movement, we moved into preparing for our external exams. This included another field trip into the City Centre, where we visited Riccarton House and Bush. We were able to walk through bush which was where the Deans Brothers established their farm and house on arrival from Scotland. They were crucial in the initial effort of trying to establish a new British settlement in Christchurch. We then moved on to look at the Canterbury Museum where the curator had many interesting photos and information to share with us which really added to our understanding of how Christchurch became the city we all know and love today.

Written by Madison Hickford on behalf of the year 13 History class.