Last week, year six students from Catherine McAuley Primary School teamed up with ‘The Project Zone’ creating a short film about Sir Neville Howse. Howse was a doctor, soldier, member of Parliament, and the first member of the Australian Defence Forces to win a Victoria Cross.

The program is called ‘History Here’ which is an initiative of Project Zone. It works in conjunction with schools in NSW focusing on local history. The Project Zone brings together Paul Stafford (a literacy consultant in primary and secondary schools throughout Australia) and Vince Lovecchio (having worked extensively in Television, Photography and Film) for the development and delivery of innovative collaborative projects utilising the power of story, technology and creativity.

Paul explained, “we do some research into the history of the area, the school chooses an incident or character from a shortlist, we then do some deep research into that, we write a script, the kids act the script, we edit it up and it gets shown as part of a film festival.”

This is the third year, last year’s project was a live broadcast from Canowindra which was also streamed to America - featuring a live bushranger re-enactment of the siege of Canowindra. So students are learning writing skills, film making skills, STEM skills and they get to re-interpret their history, and that’s what it’s all about, getting kids interested in their history.

“This way they have a bit of fun with it and they own it which is great. Each student has a certain character and it’s up to them to drive it, which includes the props - in the end it becomes a real class project, and they are all on board and want to see it succeed and be the best that it can be.”

As well as filming in Robertson Park, the students also took their talent to the Council Chambers, it was an entire day procedure.

Year six Teacher, Mrs Kate Wright said, “Catherine McAuley is very embracing of quality educational opportunities, we are always very open minded to innovative ideas, particularly when it enhances our quality curriculum. The kids have absolutely loved it and have really engaged with the whole process. Paul and Vince are brilliant with the children, they are accepting of all creative ideas and really guide them to a product that is theirs in the end.”

Go kids! - We can’t wait to see what you have come up with!