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Harvest of Endurance
Theme: Australian history and race relations - Racism in Australia - Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination
Key Learning Area: English - Studies of Society and Environment (SOSE) - Technology - The Arts
Age Group: Primary Upper (10-12) - Secondary Lower (13-14) - Secondary Middle (15-16) Resource Type: Posters and artwork - Timelines and calendars Stimulus Name: Harvest of Endurance
Outcomes
Students explore the history of the Chinese in Australia and some of the significant events which have contributed to the shaping of the nation.
Introduction
The Harvest of Endurance is a 50 metre long scroll which was sponsored by the Australia-China Friendship Society as a bicentenary project. It represents the history of Chinese immigration to Australia. Stories of hardship and survival, resourcefulness and reward are recorded in the gongbi style of painting. Not only is it a magnificent work of art but it also provides a wealth of information. The suggested activities may be used independently or as the introduction to a greater unit of work.
Suggested Activities
Visit Making Multicultural Australia, Harvest of Endurance Scroll
- Allocate a frame to each student (There are 35 frames.)
- Research online or print all frames with accompanying notes.
- Students may further research issues online.
- Students give a chronological oral presentation of the contribution made by the Chinese in Australia to the shaping of the nation.
- Printed frames may be displayed to form a timeline.
Additional Strategies
- Visit Making Multicultural Australia, Harvest of Endurance Scroll and "SHOW TEXT". Research the contributions to Australia made by:
Mei Quong Tart
William Ah Ket
William Liu OBE
Professor Christopher Chen
King Fong
George Lau
Helen Quach
Alec Fong Lim AM
Patrick Pak-poy
Chee Dock Nomchong
Kwong Sue Dok
Thomas Bakhap
John Wing
Harry Chan
Mrs Lum Loy
Claudia Cream
Dr Victor Chang AC
Dr John Yu AC
Helen Sham-Ho
- Investigate one or several key aspects of the early pre-gold rush Chinese communities in Australia as depicted on the scroll. What activities were the people involved in?
- Investigate the anti-Chinese attitudes which were prevalent during the gold rush period
- Using the scroll as a stimulus make a pictorial record of your community or school.
Related Resources
Australia-China Friendship society 1988, Harvest of Endurance, A History of the Chinese in Australia 1788-1988, Culnane, J. (ed.) ID Studio, Sydney.
NSW Board of Studies 1999, Making Multicultural Australia- A multimedia documentary 3 CD-ROM set
Making Multicultural Australia Lesson Ideas
Racism. No way! Fact sheets Alec Fong Lim AM and Dr John Yu AC
Relevant websites to visit
National Museum of Australia
Sovereign Hill Education Service
DIMA Fact sheet 8 Abolition of the 'White Australia' Policy
Making Multicultural Australia
Copyright Acknowledgement
Harvest of Endurance
Australia-China Friendship Society
National Museum of Australia
Date: 28 February 2001
