Empathy Task - Australia in the Vietnam War era: letter to Grandfather
| Grade | Work Samples |
|---|---|
| End of Stage 5 (end of Year 10) | |
| Grade B | Jules Drew Casey |
| Grade C | Jerry |
| Grade D | Ashley |
Description of activity
Students are to write as a 20-year-old male, living in Australia in 1970. Their grandfather is a member of the Returned Services League and has written to them, urging them to do their duty for their country. Students write a reply letter to their grandfather, explaining and justifying their views as a conscientious objector, including references to anti-war groups and the Moratorium march. In the letter, students must demonstrate an understanding of the grandfather’s point of view and the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Context
This activity is part of Topic 5: Australia in the Vietnam War Era, in the Mandatory Stage 5 course and focuses on the differing views of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. For this activity students have learnt about Australia’s response to the threat of communism in Asia and in Australia; the reasons for Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and the differing views of Australia’s involvement, including the views of the supporters of the war, the conscientious objectors and the Moratorium movement; and the effect of the Vietnam War on Australian culture.
Areas for Assessment
Outcomes
A student:
5.1 explains social, political and cultural developments and events, and evaluates their impact on Australian life
5.2 assesses the impact of international events and relationships on Australia’s history
5.7 explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past
5.8 locates, selects and organises relevant historical information from a number of sources, including ICT, to undertake historical inquiry
5.10 selects and uses appropriate oral, written and other forms, including ICT, to communicate effectively about the past for different audiences
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- explain the social, political and cultural developments and events related to Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War
- present and explain the different perspectives of Australians on the Vietnam War at the time
- use accurate and relevant historical information from a number of sources to support ideas and arguments
- select and use appropriate forms to communicate effectively and to demonstrate an empathetic response.