On Thursday 30 March, our Year 10 Extreme (Elective) History visited Sydney’s Justice & Police Museum as part of their studies into ‘Crime and Punishment’.
Students examined the case of the ‘Pyjama Girl Mystery’ and viewed evidence and artefacts from the investigation. A highlight was a recreation of the trial of Antonio Agostini. Students enjoyed dressing up in period costumes and playing the parts of the judge, the accused, court officer, jury and barristers. Their impressive acting and commitment to their roles made us feel like we had been transported back to the courtroom in 1944!
The museum is a former courtroom and police station, and students even got to experience what it would have been like to be kept in a holding cell.
In the afternoon, after a visit to an ice-cream parlour, the class undertook a tour of The Rocks district, learning about the criminal past of the area and its place in Sydney’s history. We learned about the infamous larrikin gang known as ‘The Rocks Push’, as well as the lives of convicts who lived in the area. It was amazing to see some of Sydney’s oldest buildings, including Cadman’s Cottage, former convict’s house which is 207 years old.
Below are some reflections from the students:
“The Justice and Police Museum was an extremely memorable and engaging experience for the Year 10 Extreme History class. We explored the tragic case of the pyjama girl and discovered truths about past jurisdiction systems. Overall the Justice and Police Museum was a memorable experience.” – Jiya
"It is astonishing to learn that there is so much history embedded within this tiny area in Sydney, and I'm glad I was able to get a glimpse into Australia's early post-colonial era" - Stephen
“The Extreme History excursion was an extremely fun and enjoyable excursion. As we arrived in The Rocks, we went to the Justice and Police Museum which was a local courthouse up until the age of 1970. Our guide, Elisha, investigated the Pyjama Girl case and gave us a tour of the museum and revealed to us some artefacts that contribute to the murder of Linda Agostini, A.K.A the Pyjama Girl. I had an awesome time, and I highly recommend Extreme History to any student contemplating on whether or not they should further their studies of history.” – Samuel
Mr Samuel Mills
Year 12 Advisor, History and English Teacher