FlagstaffHill

Flagstaff Hill Education Program

More Than Just A Maritime Museum - An Education Facility

Students can be a part of the 1870's Flagstaff Hill Common School – complete with a stern School Ma’am, scratchy slates, hard wooden seats and recitation of the times tables in the Reading, ‘Riting and Rithmetic’ topic.

In other topics students can discover the fascinating tales behind the shipwrecks and marvel at how immigrants survived the perilous ocean journeys; investigate the history of whaling, and examine the intriguing characteristics of the Southern Right Whale; learn of the lifestyles of the pioneering days of an early Australian coastal port.

A range of self explore trails, as well as pre and post visit resources, are available in Student Resources to further enhance the students' learning outcomes.

Flagstaff Hill's Education Service offers a curriculum-based program associated with the Victorian Essential Learning standards (details available in Teacher Resources. Educational sessions (40-60 minutes) are conducted by the Education Officer on a theme chosen from the following:

Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village

Whilst we specialise in maritime related topics we have 10acres to explore and engage your students. Take a look at the suggested topics below.

Reading, ‘Riting and Rithmetic’

Step back in time and role play classroom life in an 1870’s Common school. Experience copperplate writing on slates, recite tables, and learn pounds, shillings and pence under the stern supervision of the School Ma’am. Max class size 32 pupils.

Dress up in our costumes to enhance the atmosphere or wear your own.

Suitable Years P-6

Thar She Blows! Whales and Whaling

Discover the whaling history of the waters near Warrnambool. Learn about our winter visitors: the Southern Right Whale. See, feel and touch baleen, scrimshaw, a whaleboat, harpoon and spear.

Adaptable all levels. 

Batten down the hatches! Shipwreck Stories

Shipwreck stories from the Shipwreck Coast: discover how, why and where shipwrecks occurred and experiences of shipboard life. View unique and valuable artefacts recovered from historic shipwrecks.

Adaptable all levels.

Fishing For Fun!

Catch and release session conducted under the auspices of Fish Care - Department of Primary Industries.

Suitable Years P-6. To discuss the availability of this topic please contact our Education Officer on 03 5559 4600

Fishy Tales and Wondrous Whales

Enjoy listening to a selection of sea faring stories and fantastic fables of fancy fish. Experience a variety of locations to add to the atmosphere: settle in the Sail Makers Loft, climb aboard the Rowitta ferry or the Reginald M coastal trader,  visit the Village Green or wander to the Wharf to enjoy a relaxing story session.

Suitable Years P-2.

Traditional Trades

Outlines of occupations with a maritime focus: Lighthouse Keeper, Port Medical Officer, Shipsmith, Ships Chandler, Shipping Agent, a Whaler, a Cooper, Ship Model Maker and Sailmaker.

Adaptable all levels

Traditional Make and Create

Experience the true challenges of nineteenth century life: make your own oatmeal soap, create a traditional kite or design a scrimshaw scene.  

Adaptable all levels

Coastal Environmental Awareness

Gain an insight into contemporary environmental issues associated with coastal and marine settings.  Explore ways that these issues can be addressed from both an individual and global perspective. 

Adaptable all levels

Other Options

Other options are available (viewing historic foorage, using the picturesque site for art classes, photography shoots and film locations).

Celebrate Grandparent's Day in the unique Flagstaff Hill setting.  Dress up, bring along a traditional lunch and enjoy a day of family fun. 

Please contact us to discuss your needs - we are happy to respond to your requests.

SHIPWRECKED

An amazing after dark sound and laser show that tells that tragic tale of the Loch Ard, one of Australia’s worst maritime disasters. The multi million dollar show also covers themes such as immigration, Australian character and history, world history and geography – all projected onto a nine-metre aquascreen.

Please note Education Officer will not be present during SHIPWRECKED.