CHARGED! The Story of Beersheba

Project Overview: A Study of the Battle

This innovative educational project brought history to life by assembling a collection of primary sources related to a historical battle, including objects, maps, diary extracts, letters, photographs, and digital content. The materials were curated into a small travelling suitcase, enabling interactive learning experiences for students.

An arts educator facilitated the program, traveling with the suitcase to five small schools in the following regions:

  • Tenterfield Shire

  • Moree Plains Shire

  • Armidale Regional

  • Uralla Shire

  • Narrabri Shire

Educational Impact

  • Hands-On Learning: Students had the opportunity to interact directly with historical artifacts and documents, fostering a deeper understanding of the battle’s historical context.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Engagement: The project integrated history, literacy, and arts education through the use of diverse materials and creative teaching methods.

  • Community Outreach: By targeting small schools, the initiative ensured that students in remote or underserved areas benefited from this rich educational experience.

This project demonstrates the value of mobile, artifact-based learning in making history accessible and engaging for students in regional areas.

The charge of the 4th and 12th Australian Light Horse at Beersheba late in the afternoon of 31 October 1917 is remembered as the last great cavalry charge. With tactical flair, a well-executed deception plan and calculated risk taking, a small number of Australian soldiers won a pivotal victory against an entrenched opposition. A study of the battle through primary sources - objects, maps, diary extracts, letters, and photographs as well as digital content was assembled in a small travelling suitcase, which travelled to five small schools in the New England/North West, accompanied by a specialist arts educator.