Bringing History to Life: Why Interactive Learning Creates More Memorable School Excursions

History isn't simply about remembering dates.

It's about understanding people, decisions and events that have shaped the world we live in today.

Students often engage more deeply with historical concepts when they can connect emotionally with stories rather than memorising facts. That's why interactive learning experiences have become an increasingly valuable part of education.

At Madame Tussauds Sydney, students encounter influential Australians and internationally recognised leaders from politics, science, sport, music, film and popular culture. Rather than reading about these individuals in a textbook, students experience immersive environments that encourage curiosity, discussion and critical thinking.

Located in Darling Harbour alongside SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, and Sydney Tower Eye, Madame Tussauds Sydney offers schools a unique opportunity to incorporate History and Humanities into a broader curriculum-linked excursion.

Why Interactive Learning Supports Historical Understanding

Educational research consistently demonstrates that students retain information more effectively when they actively participate in learning.

Interactive experiences encourage students to:

• ask questions
• make observations
• compare perspectives
• analyse evidence
• discuss historical significance

Walking through themed zones, students naturally begin asking questions such as:

• Why is this person remembered?
• What impact did they have on Australian society?
• How has Australia changed during their lifetime?
• What qualities make someone influential?

These discussions help students move beyond remembering historical facts to understanding why history matters.

Supporting the NSW Curriculum

Madame Tussauds Sydney can complement classroom learning across several learning areas.

History

Students explore:

• Significant Australians
• Historical change
• Leadership
• National identity
• Important events

English

Students develop:

• Speaking and listening
• Questioning skills
• Narrative writing
• Biography writing
• Research skills

Civics and Citizenship

Students consider:

• Leadership
• Community contribution
• Diversity
• Australian identity
• Civic responsibility

More Than Famous Faces

While Madame Tussauds is well known for celebrity figures, many exhibits encourage meaningful educational conversations.

Teachers can use the attraction to discuss:

• perseverance
• innovation
• leadership
• resilience
• teamwork
• social impact

Students begin recognising that success often comes through determination, collaboration and lifelong learning rather than talent alone.

Classroom Activities Before Your Visit

Before arriving, ask students to research one influential Australian they expect to encounter.

Encourage them to investigate:

• major achievements
• challenges they faced
• lasting contributions
• why they are remembered today

Students arrive with background knowledge, making their experience more engaging.

During Your Visit

Challenge students to:

• identify common leadership traits
• compare historical and contemporary figures
• complete observation tasks
• interview classmates about their favourite exhibits
• record interesting facts for future research

These activities promote active participation rather than passive observation.

Extend Learning Across Multiple Attractions

History is connected to every subject.

Continue your excursion at Sydney Tower Eye, where students can observe how Sydney has grown from a colonial settlement into a modern global city.

Visit SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium to explore Australia's marine conservation story and discuss the scientists helping protect our oceans.

Continue to WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, where students investigate Australia's unique biodiversity and the conservation efforts shaping its future.

Together, these attractions demonstrate that Australia's story is told through its people, places and natural environment.

Classroom Extension

Students could:

• write biographies
• create newspaper articles
• debate who has had the greatest influence on Australia
• produce podcasts
• create museum-style displays

These activities reinforce historical thinking while encouraging creativity. Check out our resource library for some ideas and mock lesson plans

Bring history beyond the textbook.

Book your school excursion to Madame Tussauds Sydney and inspire students through storytelling, leadership, and the stories of Australia's most influential people. Enhance the experience by combining your visit with other Merlin attractions in Darling Harbour.