This program asks students to consider the experience of life on board for migrants voyaging by ship from England to South Australia in 1836; Where did they sleep, what did they eat and drink, how did they cope with illness on board, and how did they while away the long days on deck? We also explore the changing motivations for migrating over time and the evolution of sea travel from sailing ships through to steam and modern cruise liners.
Suitability: Can be adapted for Years 4 – 6
Cost: $10 per student (teachers and adults are free within a 1:5 ratio)
Availability: Monday – Friday (subject to availability)
Program includes:
- Participation in a workshop to learn about the living conditions faced by migrants voyaging by ship from England.
- Understanding and identifying the reason people migrate.
- Investigate and understand the evolution of sea travel from sailing ships through to steam and modern cruise liners.
- Take part a range of deck games that passengers may have played to pass the time onboard.
Teacher Resources:
- Life Onboard program teacher resource
- Southward Bound information book
- Bound for South Australia website
Australian Curriculum: History
Historical skills, knowledge, and understanding
Year 4:
Locate relevant information from sources provided.
Identify different points of view.
Year 5:
The reasons people migrated to Australia from Europe and the experiences and contributions of a particular migrant group within a colony.
Year 6:
Stories of groups of people who migrated to Australia and the reasons they migrated.
Play the Life on Board Kahoot! quiz here
For further information and bookings please visit the History Trust of South Australia Education website, email maritime@history.sa.gov.au or phone 8151 3260.
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