Year 8 Humanities Excursion to the Melbourne Museum

Last week, our Year 8 Humanities students embarked on an exciting and enriching excursion to the Melbourne Museum to take part in the Investigating the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard Workshop and Exhibition. This immersive experience offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the most significant Viking discoveries ever made — the Galloway Hoard.

Through hands-on activities and expert-led discussions, students explored the fascinating world of Viking culture, trade, and craftsmanship. The workshop encouraged critical thinking and historical inquiry, allowing students to examine replica artefacts, interpret archaeological evidence, and consider the broader historical context of the Viking Age.

The exhibition itself showcased stunning items from the Hoard, including intricately designed jewellery, rare textiles, and mysterious containers, sparking curiosity and lively conversation among students. It was a powerful reminder of how history can come alive when we connect with the stories behind the objects.

This excursion not only deepened students’ understanding of early medieval history, it also highlighted the importance of museums in preserving and interpreting our shared past. We are proud of our Year 8 cohort for their enthusiasm, thoughtful engagement, and respectful participation throughout the day.

A huge thank you to Melbourne Museum for hosting such a dynamic and educational program — and to our Year 8 Humanities team for organising this memorable learning experience!

Reflections from some Year 8 students

“The most intriguing exhibition I’ve been on! The presenters gave a lot of detail about each artefact which made it interesting.” – Charleigh Patterson (8MAML)

“The interactive workshop, where we were able to feel the artefacts from the Hoard, put us in the shoes of the Vikings.” – Archie Roche (8FJJM)

“The excursion gave us a new insight into what the Vikings were like, in particular how they were not just raiders but also traders.” – Noah Sinclair (8XJAR)

“I liked all of the sections in the exhibition because they were fun, interactive and educational at the same time.” – Lauren Marney (8KMLE)