Stage 2 students from the William Cowper Campus have been visiting the Brisbane Street Campus as part of their Semester One History unit, focusing on continuity and change in education in Tamworth.

In conjunction with Head of Enrolments and Community, Mrs Lisa Hinwood, and Archivist Mrs Alice Booth, students have been engaging in a series of guided experiences designed to help them understand how Calrossy has developed over time.

Across the visit, students moved through a range of significant spaces and activities that highlighted both the differences and similarities between past and present school life.

One of the first stops was the balcony area, where students learned that boarders once slept in these open conditions. This provided a clear and tangible example of how boarding life has changed, prompting discussion about comfort, wellbeing and daily routines across different time periods.

In the Mary England Drawing Room, students explored the origins of the School’s House system. Through this, they were able to connect familiar aspects of their current school experience with traditions established many years ago.

Students also spent time engaging with historical uniforms. Being able to try on items from the past allowed them to directly compare fabrics, styles and practicality, while also prompting plenty of discussion—and enjoyment—as they combined different pieces in creative ways.

A portion of the visit was dedicated to exploring the School’s archives. Students carefully examined a variety of items donated by past students and families, including collections of leadership badges. They were encouraged to observe details such as logos, colours and materials, and to make informed guesses about the age of each item.

Several historical items stood out as particular points of interest. These included a set of dolls dressed in miniature Calrossy uniforms, which provided a unique representation of student life in earlier years, as well as a library book more than 100 years old. Students were able to pass this book around, offering a rare opportunity to physically connect with the School’s early history.

Students also engaged with a series of historical photographs and slides. Working together, they identified locations around the School and compared how these spaces have changed over time. Many were able to recognise buildings and landmarks that still exist today, reinforcing the concept of continuity within the School environment.

These visits provided a practical extension of classroom learning, allowing students to explore historical concepts through direct observation, discussion and hands-on interaction.

By examining the way Calrossy has evolved—while recognising elements that have remained consistent—students gained a deeper understanding of how schools adapt over time to meet the needs of their communities.