Why History Matters

"History is not just about dates and events; it's about understanding who we are and where we come from," Tom says. As Head of Humanities at Woodleigh, he is nothing like you would expect and everything you would hope for. Year 12 History student, Milla speaks of "The wonderful Mr Ryan" and his unconventional classes: "Believe me, every lesson is a strange one."  His students easily take on his infectious love of history and as a bonus they come away with a comprehensive heavy metal education, whether they asked for one or not.  

A young Tom Ryan, in his magnificent purple Doc Marten boots, began the trek down history lane early in life. "I really enjoyed, and was good at History in school. Initially, I had no idea what I wanted to do career-wise, but I knew I didn't want to work in an office or do a trade."  After his BA, still unsure of which non-office job to pursue, luckily for Woodleigh, Tom enrolled in a Diploma of Education to "hang at uni a little while longer."  While hanging, the self-professed guitar nerd and metal head gathered further musical talents to bring along on his teaching adventures, which would become a core part of how he engages with many topics in his classes.  "As a student of Mr Ryan's, you learn the world's history, but arguably the more important history of heavy metal and zebra stripe Lycra," says Milla. 

After graduation, Tom was sent on his first teaching rounds at a faraway school called Woodleigh. That was more than 20 years ago – remember, the man does like to hang around. All these years later, while history's dates and events don't change year on year (well, outside of revisionist history, of course), the students do. And this generation is a savvy one. They are comfortable with technology, they're progressive, curious, adaptable, have stronger opinions with shorter attention spans. So, how does one engage this generation of fabulously non-conformist troublemakers? Ask Mr Ryan. "With some creativity. First comes enthusiasm," and second– "Raise the double horns and treat it like a metal show." Obviously.

So, how do we keep engaging them, year on year? With a die-hard respect for the world around us, "people and their stories," and an everlasting quest to understand its patterns, movements, the psychology of people and Iron Maiden; "The pinnacle of history education. And being indoctrinated into the fact that Ronnie James Dio is the greatest singer who ever lived is a must for all young people." 

"Mr Ryan makes us question why,' says Milla – and not just about Ronnie James Dio – "He allows us to gain a rewarding understanding of the causes of events in history and moments and movements in the past that have led to the current state of our world." Tom reminds us, "You simply can't understand the world today without understanding history."  It extends beyond the classroom; it encompasses the people, places, triumphs, changes, tragedies and people's everyday lives. It's something we can all connect with, making the stories of the past "inherently interesting and deeply relevant."