History Extension students, accompanied by Mr. Driscoll and Mr. Smith, travelled to The University of Sydney and The State Library of New South Wales for a taste of tertiary education and to begin the research process for their Major Projects. As part of the History Extension course, students are required to complete a 2500 word essay on a historical debate of their choice, and are required to conduct extensive research before writing.
To aid this process, Mr. Driscoll organised a trip to Fisher Library, the hub of history books and resources at The University of Sydney, in order to learn about research techniques as well as finding books relevant to their Major Project. The success of this section of the excursion can be seen in the enormous pile of books in the photos section. The students also had time to take a walking tour of the University of Sydney, including the on-campus Colleges, lecture theatres, and of course, the Quadrangle and Great Hall. This was a fantastic opportunity to receive a brief insight into life as a tertiary student, and most definitely left the students wide-eyed and wondering about their own futures as university students.
From here, students boarded a bus to the State Library of New South Wales, where they were met by Julie, their fantastic tour guide, who had a wonderful surprise for them. After a short lesson in which students learned more research techniques for their major projects, Julie took them on a tour of the Library, including areas usually prohibited to the public, including the 'Library Friends Room' and the hallowed 'Shakespeare Room'.
The highlight of the tour, however, occurred when Julie brought the students to the specialist research area of the Library, reserved for researchers conducting investigations of primary source content. It was here that she brought out an artefact of particular value to the College: the original diaries of Thomas Hassall himself from 1859 and 1865. These diaries hold enormous significance for historians trying to paint a picture of life in Australia before federation, and include regular references to areas that the College now calls its home and surroundings.
A renowned Anglican clergymen, Thomas Hassall, colloquially known as the 'galloping parson' and 'the Squire of Denbeigh', kept a regular diary during these years, the contents of which shed light on his experiences as a pioneer of Australian Christian education. During his life, Hassall was involved in opening the first Sunday school in Australia in May 1813, for which he served as both superintendent and secretary. From March 1827, after serving various educational and parishional tenures between England and Australia, Hassall was appointed by the Anglican Church to the Cowpastures, which he himself described as 'Australia beyond Liverpool', the land on which the College now stands. It was at this time that Hassall purchased the Denbeigh estate at Cobbitty, which became his headquarters until his death on the property, 29 March 1868. Hasall's property at Denbeigh still stands to this day.
It was a truly special experience for students of the College to not only view, but be able to hold and read the contents of these diaries, which are not usually available for public display. They are a unique primary source and an invaluable piece of Anglican and Australian colonial history. Mr Driscoll and the class would like to formally thank Julie and the entire team at the State Library of New South Wales for their hospitality and for providing the students of History Extension 2018 with an unforgettable experience.