Inspired Learning for Year 12 History and Psychology Class

On Monday, 23rd June, the Year 12 History and Psychology class had the privilege of going to Otago University to learn and explore things about the Dunedin Study, the Holocaust, and the Bolshevik Revolution. We were also fortunate enough to go to the Hocken Library and walk through the archives and look at primary sources from Shackleton’s journey across Antarctica, and many Women’s Weekly Magazines from the 1930s and onwards.

The day started with hearing from Dr. Celia Lee and Dr Kirsten Cheyne, who spoke to us about the Dunedin Study, ending the session with where Psychology can take us and where we can take Psychology. We were fortunate enough to take part in some of the tests that the participants of the Dunedin Study do, testing our eyesight, fitness, cognitive abilities, and more. We then were able to meet with Professor Mark Seymour, who is the Head of History at Otago University. Dr. Seymour educated us further on the Holocaust and the Bolshevik Revolution, and provided us with intelligent insight on these topics and time for our questions.

After this, we walked to the Hocken Collections, where we were able to go to the back part of the library and see where they store all their books, articles, games, posters, and maps. There were so many things we didn’t know they kept for research. We then got to look at books relevant to Shackleton's expedition across Antarctica, as well as Women’s Weekly Magazines that showed us how different society was back in earlier days, compared to now. It was interesting to see how the different archives are kept and that some need to be held in colder temperatures.

Article by Angie Quinn and Isla Simonsen (Year 12)