On Wednesday of Week 7, Mrs Lange and Mr Arciuolo’s Stage 2 English students visited the Adelaide Gaol, where they were provided with an opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like for prisoners for nearly 150 years until it’s closure in 1988.

Guided by the fantastic and deeply knowledgeable Laurie, we walked through the cold stone cells, narrow corridors, and prison yards as we gained a powerful sense of the harsh conditions faced by inmates during this time period.

This experience helped students understand the justice system of the past, including how crimes were punished and how attitudes toward rehabilitation have changed over time, which allowed them to reflect on how ideas about law and human dignity have developed.

In addition, the excursion encouraged students to think critically about broader issues such as crime prevention, the role of authority, and the importance of social justice. By physically walking through the gaol and hearing real stories about real people, they developed empathy for people who lived in very different circumstances. The excursion was both engaging and educational, helping students connect history and ethics in a meaningful way.

Anthony Arciuolo
Leadership and Learning Coach