Lessons from the Past

From 2027, Lessons from the Past will fully integrate the new stage 1 content and outcomes from the HSIE History K–6 Syllabus (2024). 

Book now with confidence that your students can continue to enjoy a visit to Rouse Hill Estate!

This flagship program gives your students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the historic schoolhouse and estate – engaging with stories, objects and sites to learn about the past.

During their visit to the 19th-century schoolhouse, students will:

• meet the teachers, including ‘Miss Fox’, and go back in time to understand how children lived and learned at school in the past
• be immersed in the time and place and discover communication methods from the past
• make connections across the world using maps, and discover links to ancient cultures 
• dance around the beloved maypole and complete a sewing lesson from the era

When booked in conjunction with the other Stage 1 History program at Rouse Hill Estate, Early to Rise, students will participate in activities across the historic property, including the house and visitor centre. They will:

• learn about how Aboriginal people have communicated over time – through stories, images and objects
• explore some of the Rouse family’s collection to examine different methods of communication from the past and compare them with the ways that people communicate today
• gain insight into how archaeologists locate and study objects and sites as sources of evidence of a time and place

Stage 1 History

Present and Past Family Life

Key inquiry questions:

• How has family life changed or remained the same over time?
• How can we show that the present is different from or similar to the past?

HT1-1 Communicates an understanding of change and continuity in family life using appropriate historical terms

HT1-4 Demonstrates skills of historical inquiry and communication

The Past in the Present

Key inquiry questions:

• What aspects of the past can you see today?
• How have changes in technology shaped our daily life?

HT1-3 Describes the effects of changing technology on people’s lives over time

HT1-4 Demonstrates skills of historical inquiry and communication

Stage 1 Creative Arts

VAS1.1 Makes artworks in a particular way about experiences of real and imaginary things

DRAS 1.1 Takes on roles in drama to explore familiar and imagined situations

Stage 1 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

DAS1.7 Performs simple dance sequences incorporating basic movement skills and patterns

GSS1.8 Performs fundamental movement skills with equipment in minor games

Complementary programs: Early to Rise

Can be booked as standalone full-day program or in combination with Early to Rise.

Full-day program (10am-2pm): $30 per student.

You can alter your booking numbers up until 2 weeks prior to your visit. We will contact you three weeks prior to your booking to confirm final numbers and requirements. You will be invoiced for the full cost of your program two weeks prior to your booking. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, or EFT. 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 refer to our Extreme Weather Policy for information regarding weather-related cancellations.

• 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.

Risk assessment: Rouse Hill Estate

Rouse Hill Estate Social Story

Here are some instructions on how to finish your sewing square.

How to finish your sewing square [PDF]

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