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THE DUCE NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33
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From the Archives
People think of archival objects as being “old historical items”, but often fail to consider that these were once “new contemporary items”. The job of a school archivist is to preserve the significant historical objects, events, publications and so on. Part of this preservation is to collect current information for use and reference by future generations. With this in mind, the archives were involved in Sharon Bourke’s Primary “Technology Over Time” writing tasks for Term 3.
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The request was to bring some items of ‘old technology’ which students could use as provocation for developing their research skills, then producing an information text writing piece. From the archives came the 1940s valve radio (usually on display outside Tiverton library), a reel of Super 8 film, a VHS cassette tape, a 1961 record of the school choir singing a composition by Old Collegian, John Gilfedder, and a ledger from the 1960s with typed information set in columns. Sharon used this last object as a lead into teaching skills using Excel software.
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During the weeks of this writing task, students honed their note taking skills, extended their vocabulary and built on prior knowledge. They learnt to use reference materials, about citations, and that different language skills are needed for different writing situations. A small publication was produced and will form part of an exhibition later in Term 4.
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I hope this can be the start of more opportunities for our historical objects to become part of the current school curriculum.
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