By Trish Bowman
Queensland History week held from 21-28 May came to life at Yeppoon State High School (YSHS) as students and teachers celebrated history in all its wonder with a range of activities throughout the week.
YSHS teacher and department head Nigel Hutton said the Social Sciences and Languages faculty have been bringing history alive, providing opportunities for students to share our stories, learn about where history can lead in future careers, and connecting with universities to understand their choices in the coming years.
“Our school, and faculty sit in the heart of Yeppoon, and have for generations provided opportunities for young people to chase their dreams,” Mr Hutton said.
“Celebrating history week is a chance to guide students around their opportunities into the future, while celebrating the past.
“Students became very engaged in the week of activities grasping our local history in particular with a new found awe.”
Capricorn Coast Historical Society assisted with a ‘Pop up Exhibit’ of local history for students to see.
Mr Peter Cook and YSHS Principal Mr James O’Neill had a wonderful time looking through items from the Capricorn Coast Historical Society ‘pop up’ exhibit with students at the school on Monday.
Mr O’Neil thanked the CCHS for their contribution to the town and their willingness to engage with young, eager historians.
“The next chapter of all our stories, will be written by young people, and sharing an appreciation for capturing historic moments and events is a privilege,” Mr O’Neill said.
“With many items in the collection donated from local families, and sharing local stories, students were thrilled to discuss and learn more about; when the circus elephants were left in town, where the hidden stories of CBD buildings can be found on the walls, and the missing streets which can be found on historical maps.”
Monday marked a very special occasion for long time local and Capricorn Coast Historical Society member Peter Cook as 50 years ago (1973), he joined the staff at YSHS as a Math Teacher, and this week, as history seemed to repeat itself, Mr Cook was back at the chalk face sharing the stories of our local living history.
On Tuesday the school had displays of ‘Where history can take you’ and ‘why history matters’ to further engage students young curious minds.
Students shared in visual displays promoting the wide range of employment opportunities; history studies can provide.
From curator, analysist, public service officers, intelligence officers and beyond, students soon embraced the knowledge that history is an integral part of our present and future.
On Wednesday Yeppoon High School alumni and CQU lecturer Dr Michael Danaher (with the help of CQ Historian Dr Ben Jones also of CQU) shared pathways for students interested in studying history at university.
Students gained an understanding of the ability to include history as an ‘elective’ within degrees and its capacity to be a ‘major’ for the Bachelor of Arts.
On Thursday, students were excited to hear from Kit Elliott who shared the amazing opportunities for students (supported and self-funded) to travel overseas as part of their degrees.
With International programs seeking empathic, engaged global citizens, history is a great place to understand the why and how for our place in the world.
A final activity for Qld History week was undertaken on Friday with the announcement of the Qld History Week Quiz winners.