Students explore the impact of the gold rush on law and order in the colony of NSW, and of bushrangers on the Australian identity.
Students analyse and compare a range of primary and secondary sources, including artefacts and artworks from the period to investigate the threat that bushrangers posed to successful gold miners, the technologies used by the miners and the police to respond to these threats and the consequences for the men who chose to become bushrangers.
A highlight of the program is a re-enactment of the 1864 trial of NSW bushranger John Vane. In the museum’s former courtroom, students act out the trial’s historic proceedings – an immersive experience that helps them to better understand the actions, perspectives and experiences of different people during the gold rush.
Stage 3 History
The Australian Colonies
Key inquiry questions:
What do we know about the lives of people in Australia’s colonial past and how do we know?
What were the significant events and who were the significant people that shaped Australian colonies?
HT3-1 Describes and explains the significance of people, groups, places and events to the development of Australia
HT3-2 Describes and explains different experiences of people living in Australia over time
HT3-5 Applies a variety of skills of historical inquiry and communication
Stage 3 Creative Arts – Visual Arts
VAS3:4 Communicates about the ways in which subject matter is represented in art works.
Complementary programs: Life at the Barracks: Convicts and Migrants, Investigating Convict History, Expanding the Colony, A Colonial Eye
Up to 20 Students: $200 Up to 40 Students: $385 Up to 60 Students: $575 Up to 80 Students: $760 Up to 100 Students: $905 Up to 120 Students: $1,055 Up to 140 Students: $1,130 Up to 160 Students: $1,230
You can alter your booking numbers up until 7 days prior to your visit. We will call you a week before your booking to confirm final numbers and requirements. You will be invoiced for the full cost of your program a week prior to your booking. Payment can be made by Credit Card, EFTPOS or cheque (payable to Historic Houses Trust of NSW). Cancellations made within 7 days of a booking will incur the full cost for the program. Cancellations made within 2 weeks of your visit will be invoiced for 50% of the total booking. Cancellations must be made in writing.
Please plan to arrive before the start time of your booked program to allow for cloaking, toilet visits and/or a refreshment break for the students. If you arrive late, some elements and activities may need to be cut from the program to keep to the scheduled finish time.
Large groups will be divided up into smaller groups for activities in the museums.
Bags, food and drinks are not permitted in the museums and cloaking facilities are provided.
Photography policies vary between the museums so please ask a member of staff for details.
Teachers and carers are required to remain with their groups at all times.
Disciplining students remains the responsibility of teachers and carers accompanying the group.
Please let us know before your visit if any of your students have special needs or learning difficulties so we can plan to accommodate their needs during the visit.
The supervision ratio is 1:10 for primary groups and 1:15 for secondary groups. Teachers and parents attend free of charge at these ratios. One carer per student with special needs will be admitted free of charge
Additional visitor costs
Each additional visitor will be charged at the concession rate of $12
During this program at Museum of Sydney, on the site of first Government House, students have a unique opportunity to explore links between Indigenous and European histories, cultures and perspectives in the expanding Sydney colony of the 1800