STUDENTS were provided with a glimpse into the past on Monday when The Greater Hamilton Library held interactive activities to celebrate Education Week and this year’s theme of ‘150 Years of Public Education’.

Education Week runs from May 22 – 28 and celebrates the strengths and achievements of Victoria’s government education sector, with this year’s theme focusing on commemorating the past, celebrating the present, and imagining the future of education.

To mark the occasion, students from local primary schools attended the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre where they participated in workshops consisting of interactive activities that educated them about what it was like to live in different eras.

The first half of the sessions consisted of students watching the data show ‘Life … Then and Now’, presented by Barry Griffiths and Cynda Strange from The History Box Ballarat.

The data show proved to be a hit with the students and featured three lucky kids dressing up in attire from previous time periods, while learning about the purpose of each element of clothing and how it differs from what they wear today.

 Greater Hamilton Library senior library officer, Jenny Poynton, said students from three local schools attended the educational and interactive sessions, with the children really enjoying the dress up activity.

“159 students from Dunkeld, George Street, and Gray Street Primary Schools enjoyed a presentation and activities from the Ballarat based ‘The History Box’,” she said.

“Students ranged from Grades 3 to 6 and learnt about life in the past with a presentation, which students brought to life by getting dressed in old-fashioned clothing and even a fake moustache or two.

“Students had the opportunity to learn interesting history, such as teachers being paid by the number of students at school, with children paying one penny before public education was made free in 1872.”

The second half of the workshop consisted of students exploring the artefacts table which displayed older items such as a rotary phone, fireplace bellow, candle stick, chamber pot, and coal bed-warmers.

Students were also given the opportunity to play traditional games such as noughts and crosses, hoops, and quoits.

Ms Poynton said the interactive format of the presentation kept the students engaged while they learnt about the past.

“Everyone involved had a great time reflecting on the past, with students learning history in a fun and interactive way,” she said.

“We always love welcoming students to the library and look forward to working with schools to celebrate their past, present, and future as part of Victoria’s Education Week.”

All activities provided in the workshops were supported by the Victorian State Government Department of Education and Training to promote the theme of ‘150 Years of Public Education’.