Year 7 Toitu Visits

There, Danny Still, the Head of the Education Team guided our students through a variety of lessons and tasks specifically tailored to support our in class work on Ko Wai Au (Who am I) and the Treaty of Waitangi.

After an introductory video each class was split into small groups to scavenger hunt for answers about life in the Dunedin area before the Treaty. This led the students to learn about traditional Maori customs and lifestyle, about the impact of whaling in the area and of the first settler's arrival in Dunedin or 'Mudedin' as it was called at the time.

From there the students learned about the experiences of those aboard the Phillip Lang. The students were especially unimpressed by the cramped quarters reconstructed at the museum as well as the frequent references to seasickness and the high infant mortality rates referred to in the diary entries they read.

Next the children explored the portrait gallery before closely examining the reconstruction of one of the first European Houses built in the area. Here some children were involved in dress up reenactments of early settler life which provided plenty of laughs.

To finish, the students did one final scavenger hunt around the displays exhibiting artifacts once belonging to the first Scottish settlers to arrive here. The muskets and surgery set being the most popular of these exhibits.

All of the students very much enjoyed the change of scenery and the opportunity to see first hand some of the things we had been discussing in class. Mr Still spoke very enthusiastically about our student's knowledge and behaviour which was certainly pleasing to hear. 

Finally can I just thank all those parents who gave up their time to accompany us down to Toitu. It was very much appreciated and your efforts helped make the experience that much more enjoyable.