The unit helped students to sharpen their research and essay writing skills. The process of the project was just as important as the finished product with students having to incrementally  submit a proposal, essay plans and drafts. Students not only provided a brief biography of the achievements of their chosen individual, but had to argue whether or not their personality had contributed to creating a ‘better world’. One of the highlights of the project was presenting their research to the class on zoom (with a background of their personality) - see picture.

Several of the students in Year 9 Elective reflected on their research: 

I chose Mahatma Gandhi as the subject of my historical research. I've learnt a great deal from this 'Great Soul,' or as many refer to him, the 'Father of the Nation.' I discovered that Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer who led India's nonviolent freedom campaign against British rule and fought for Indian civil rights in South Africa. This significant figure lived from 1869 to 1948. Gandhi has a long list of accomplishments during his lifetime. Fighting racial inequality in South Africa and participating in the famous salt march to Dandi were two of his accomplishments. I also learned about his various contributions to make the world a better place. He launched nationwide campaigns for basic human rights and to ease poverty, expand women’s rights, and applied the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience resulting in India achieving independence from the British. Not only this but he inspired millions of people around the globe, including activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela through all aspects of his life. After analyzing Mahatma Gandhi’s personality, achievements and contributions the most significant thing I have learned is that everything should be addressed with truth and without violence. His saying “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” illustrates this lesson.
Hein J - Year 9 Elective History Student

My historical personality was Vida Goldstein, She was a trailblazer of her times. She was motivated by social justice and wanting to improve the lives of the women and children she met in the slums of Collingwood. Vida was also the first woman to publicly seek election to parliament, making five unsuccessful attempts. She was ridiculed for her efforts however this did not deter her, as demonstrated by her five consecutive attempts. Vida Goldstein contributed to making a better world in many ways, highly influenced by her mother who was an early feminist, she promoted social reform by drawing attention to the issue and further again with her attempts to enter parliament, a completely male dominated arena. Vida is an inspirational role model, displaying resilience, persistence and a commitment to social justice and reform. She is an early pioneer of women’s rights in Australia.
Mirae Q - Year 9 Elective History Student

During the writing of my essay I developed a further appreciation for history and my personality, Herodotus, ‘The Father of History’. Not only did he construct the first historical documents and historical timeline, he also influenced many people to start documenting history for future generations and still makes an impact today with teaching us the significance of history and its origin. To me, Herodotus is one of the most significant people to have lived because his contribution to the world is still recognised today and I can’t think of a world without him or history!
Ava C - Year 9 Elective History Student

For my historical investigation I did Mao Zedong and by researching him I was able to understand the impact of Mao's communist reign  on China and the effects (both long term and short term) it had. Something interesting that I discovered while conducting my research was how the personality cult Mao created during the revolution impacted both towns and cities. Mao's personality cult which venerated him introduced developments which idolised Mao which of course cost money, diverted funds from industrial development and this resulted in a decline in industrial output. 
Olivia M - Year 9 Elective History Student

‘JFK was arguably one of the greatest Presidents the United States has ever seen. He contributed to many things such as the Peace Corps, the Equal Pay Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act and making a better economy. All of these things and much more made him one of the best Presidents the United States has ever had.’
Jacqueline C - Year 9 Elective History Student

Mary Reibey was an extraordinary and inspirational woman, who overcame several adversities through her life such as losing her parents & grandma and becoming a convict, which was something to be majorly ashamed of. She had no motivation in life, yet she still managed to strive and become a successful businesswoman and built a reputation for herself, forming an empowering image of other women in her society. She was the first woman to hold a public office, hence giving a different meaning to what it's like to be a woman in the 19th century. Her influence is so powerful that young girls all over the world look up to her life journey. It is the constant reminder that you are able to achieve anything that you wish, with a little effort and determination. These are the key factors I have learnt from investigating Mary Reibey’s life and I am truly inspired by her journey, which gives me the motivation to work hard in life and achieve what I want.
Romina A - Year 9 Elective History Student 

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992) was an American activist, self-identified drag queen and transgender woman, who adopted the name Marsha P. Johnson after graduating high school. At this point in her life, she moved from her hometown in New Jersey to New York with only $15 and a bag of clothes. There in New York, is where she would start her activism. She was at the forefront of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights throughout the ’60s-’80s, attending and planning sit-ins, marches and protests. Such as, The Stonewall Riots (June 28-June 3 1969), an event that was the catalyst for the gay rights movement. She made a substantial impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Not only was she continuously at the frontline of protests, but she also founded an organisation alongside fellow activist Sylvia Rivera. STAR house was an organisation that provided shelter, safety and any needs to trans individuals experiencing homelessness. Even in her death, Marsha has left a great legacy behind. Multiple organisations have been made in her name (for example Marsha’s House).  She is also a symbol of courage for people to be who they are and express themselves as they want’.
Stephanie E - Year 9 Elective History Student

I wish to congratulate all of Year 9 Elective History on their wonderful projects and for their hard work over Term 3.

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher