Here in Canada we learn from the outside in.
We all know that we came here from somewhere else and respect the country of origin of the people that make up Canada. That is the way of a Multi Cultural Society.
In grade school a child learns about life, the solar system and the rest of the world first.
My first major project (grade 3) I am happy to say was Australia.
In high school we learn about the 2 World Wars (grade 9&10) then American History (11) then we learn Canadian History last.
I believe this gives us a special appreciation for our
place in the World.
Good topic,
Best wishes,
Qwiz

I think the history and geography we studied when I was in school centred mostly around Ireland, it's various invasions by the English and Vikings, the celtic origins of the country, and the development of the current political situation. I guess the focus on learning about all things Irish must be partly because we are only a budding Republic (being established since the early 1900's only) compared to long-established autonomous countries like England. The reason for this may have been to reinforce our sense of identity as a nation etc etc.

However we also studied a little about the other countries who were members of the European Union (remember it was a new-fangled notion when I was in school).

I don't remember ever studying anything at all about the Americas, Canada, Aisia, Africa, Australia political/geographical or historical.

"We learned all about Canada in school.
But I was sick that afternoon."
Dame Edna in Montreal
I love that line!

I'm still in school and have learned quite a bit about every country, including Ireland and Mid-evil cultures, except Australia. All we learned is simply that it is the largest island and the smallest continent. When I went there last year I learned a ton I never knew. Only shortly before I went did I learn that they drive on the left side of the road. Big surprise. I also learned for the first time that they were involved in the World Wars. I took two years of Global Studies, 1 year of US History, and will be taking European History next year. I woul have loved to learn more about Australia, and once I went there it saddened me to see how much others were missing out on.

loveoflearning,

There is more than the odd one or two Aussies on the site and just as many threads. This is as good a place as any to improve your knowledge of the wide brown land.

loveoflearning,

There is more than the odd one or two Aussies on the site and just as many threads. This is as good a place as any to improve your knowledge of the wide brown land.

My future’s so bright I gotta wear shades
I would like to thank the people from “Down Under”, most specifically the people of New Zealand for our economic prosperity. We watched as you brought in your “Goods and Services Tax” way back when. Oh yea, I hate it too. But!
We have turned the corner for the last 6 years with not only “Balanced Budgets”, but also surpluses for debt reduction and more money for social programs. Your pain did not go unnoticed here in Canada. We saw the “cuts” to programs and the sacrifices you made together! You showed Canada the way! We got off to such a fast start that I really have not had a chance to look back… I wonder if you could hit me with a link or two about how you fair in these areas today. Your present leads my way. (Puns anyone?)
Next year we will have Paul Martin as our P.M. he was the man with the plan as Finance Minister. Such a bright future for Canada, thanks to you.
I never got a chance to say this until now. Merci


Here are some words from the PM in waiting.
• On immigration – “We have to put front-line immigration officers over in the countries from which we’re looking to receive so they can deal with the claims there. We’ve got to have much better settlement programs so they can make the adjustment. The idea of having people come over here with qualifications to be doctors and engineers and not be able to practice is a terrible, terrible shame. We’ve also got to (implement) a very large education program in our schools because people have got to respect people who come from other countries and other religions and cultures. We’ve got to understand how rich we’ve become because of this diversity.”
Paul Martin

I was in public school up through the 7 grade. We actually did not concentrate much on different countries and their histories. I remember only a brief overview in 4th and 7th grade. We studied mainly only the 17th and 20th centuries of American history. Thankfully, my parents both love history and taught us(my brother and myself) history themselves, by reading to us and taking us places to make history come alive. They also have traveled extensively and taught us to appreciate other cultures and countries. They finally took us out of school and we are now homeschooled, which allows us to be challenged and learn much more than we would in public school.