About the Project
Through being deeply involved in learning about World War One and the ANZACS, students at Bridgewater Primary School felt strongly about building a new war memorial for the Adelaide Hills. Understanding the vast impact war had on not just the soldiers but their families, community and a nation as a whole and how these effects continue 100 years after the event was a significant realization and learning point for the students. Their hope was for the memorial to be for everyone, for the community to own, as a point for reflection and peace.
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They wanted to build a memorial that would show the endeavor and sacrifice servicemen and women, their families and the community endured. Students envisaged a war memorial of significance, which takes the visitor on a similar journey that they took in gaining an understanding of the ANZACS. Just as important, it also needed to be a place that community members can visit to spend time and reflect. They believed that the memorial should be to remember the ANZAC legend; the mateship they forged and the sacrifices they made, but to also identify the legacy of all those that were impacted by war, including the local communities.
Students wanted a place that was accessible and inclusive of all community members. A place where people can find peace, reflect and remember something that is personal to them. They also wanted a design that would allow the community to hold all kinds of commemorative events such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other significant military anniversaries, as well as other community events including Australia Day, Proclamation Day, Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week.
Some of the most significant learning for students was the impact the war had on families and the communities at home. Imagine saying goodbye to loved ones and then never seeing them again, never knowing what happened to them and never being able to have an opportunity to visit their grave, if there was one. This gave students a clearer understanding of the role of memorials and why they are so important to communities throughout Australia.
Another significant part of students’ learning was regarding the Aboriginal Anzacs. At the time of the First World War Aboriginal people had little to no rights in Australia, including not being counted as citizens, not being permitted to serve in the forces and Aboriginal children were still being removed from their families. Students were surprised and moved by the fact that Aboriginal people still chose to fight for their country and played a significant role in the war effort. Aboriginal Anzacs fought at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and Europe. Through this learning students also wanted the memorial to in some way acknowledge the role Aboriginal Anzacs played.
As students have moved through the school, from the initial group in 2013, to where we stand today in 2019, they have carried the responsibility of this important work. Students will continue to learn and grow from these experiences and take this with them into the future.
Students wanted a place that was accessible and inclusive of all community members. A place where people can find peace, reflect and remember something that is personal to them. They also wanted a design that would allow the community to hold all kinds of commemorative events such as ANZAC Day, Remembrance Day and other significant military anniversaries, as well as other community events including Australia Day, Proclamation Day, Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week.
Some of the most significant learning for students was the impact the war had on families and the communities at home. Imagine saying goodbye to loved ones and then never seeing them again, never knowing what happened to them and never being able to have an opportunity to visit their grave, if there was one. This gave students a clearer understanding of the role of memorials and why they are so important to communities throughout Australia.
Another significant part of students’ learning was regarding the Aboriginal Anzacs. At the time of the First World War Aboriginal people had little to no rights in Australia, including not being counted as citizens, not being permitted to serve in the forces and Aboriginal children were still being removed from their families. Students were surprised and moved by the fact that Aboriginal people still chose to fight for their country and played a significant role in the war effort. Aboriginal Anzacs fought at Gallipoli, in the Middle East and Europe. Through this learning students also wanted the memorial to in some way acknowledge the role Aboriginal Anzacs played.
As students have moved through the school, from the initial group in 2013, to where we stand today in 2019, they have carried the responsibility of this important work. Students will continue to learn and grow from these experiences and take this with them into the future.
