iServi News | 25 September 2020 | Term 3, Week 10
The Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning area is a distinctive component of curriculum in Australian schools. Learning experiences adopted by classroom practitioners should encourage students to link their learning to: real life; their local community; their society; and societal issues and challenges (Reynolds, 2014).
As HASS teachers we endeavour to include authentic ‘real world’ and ‘real life’ examples in our teaching and learning. In doing so, we actively engage students’ interest and curiosity, and provide opportunities for discussions to create links between the HASS learning area and their everyday lives.
This term in Year 8 HASS, students have been learning about the experiences and perspectives of people living in Medieval Europe. Having recently attended my university graduation and donned the academic dress, I realised an opportune teaching moment to make links between the Medieval past and the present. The tradition of wearing academic dress or regalia dates to the 12th century when Medieval universities such as Oxford and Cambridge were taking form. I was delighted to model the academic regalia for the students and explain the facets and purpose for the wearing the gown, hood, and cap in Medieval and present-day times.
I was extremely impressed with the level of interest shown, questions asked, and the ensuing discussion generated by the Year 8 students.
Dr Katie Thiveos
Teacher
On Monday, Dr Thiveos came to our HASS class dressed in academic regalia which she recently wore at her university graduation. She explained to the class that the tradition of wearing academic regalia dates to education in the 12th century. In Medieval society, women did not experience the same rights as men and would not have been given equal opportunity to study. Knowing this, it was amazing to see Dr Thiveos in her gown and hear about her recent academic accomplishment. As young women, seeking to study at university in the future, we found Dr Thiveos very inspiring. To see our own teacher demonstrate a commitment towards further education and be successful in achieving her PhD was very encouraging. It also made us realise that we are very grateful to be living in 2020 and not in Medieval times.
Maddison Withers (SM2), Sarah Chen (OLS2), Mia Germano (SC6)