Voices of Country at the NGV
Early in Term 3, the Year 11 Literature class travelled to the city for an excursion that deepened their understanding and brought their current area of study in the curriculum, Voices of Country, vividly to life.
At the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, students explored the gallery’s rich collection of First Nations art and design. Our tour guide led us in analysis and discussion of artworks that reflect key themes such as connection to Country and the impact of colonisation. The students enjoyed and saw the opportunity to draw connections between visual art and written texts they came across.
Following the gallery visit, the class participated in a walking tour of Birrarung Marr, where they learned about the historical and cultural significance of the Birrarung (Yarra River) to the Wurundjeri people. The tour highlighted how the landscape was used prior to colonisation and how it has since been transformed, prompting reflection on the lasting effects of colonial settlement.
This immersive experience deepened students’ understanding of First Nations perspectives, while reinforcing the importance of listening to and learning from diverse voices. The combination of art, literature and place offered a powerful and memorable extension to their classroom learning.
