🎯 WALT: Understand the main events of the Wahine disaster

Success Criteria: I can identify key facts and explain the impact on people involved

📖 Reading Passage: The Wahine Disaster

On 10th April 1968, one of New Zealand's worst maritime disasters occurred in Wellington Harbour. The TEV Wahine, a passenger ferry travelling from Lyttelton to Wellington, encountered a severe storm with winds reaching 160 kilometres per hour. The turbulent weather caused the ship to strike Barrett Reef near the harbour entrance.

Captain Hector Robertson attempted to beach the vessel, but the Wahine began listing heavily to one side. The evacuation of 734 passengers and crew became increasingly difficult as lifeboats were damaged by the rough seas. Many people were forced to jump into the freezing water. Rescue helicopters and boats worked desperately to save lives, but tragically 53 people lost their lives that day.

The disaster had a profound impact on New Zealand's maritime safety regulations. The legacy of the Wahine continues today, with improved safety procedures and better emergency equipment on all passenger vessels. A memorial now stands in Wellington to honour those who perished.

📚 Part 1: Comprehension Questions

_______________ passengers and crew

🎯 WALT: Use context clues to understand vocabulary

Success Criteria: I can complete sentences using key maritime vocabulary

✏️ Part 2: CLOZE Activity

Fill in the missing words using the word bank below:

Word Bank: capsized, evacuation, turbulent, legacy, maritime, encountered

a) The Wahine _____________ a severe storm with dangerous winds.

b) The _____________ weather made it difficult for the ship to stay on course.

c) The _____________ of passengers became increasingly dangerous.

d) The disaster changed New Zealand's _____________ safety laws forever.

e) The _____________ of the Wahine continues to influence ship safety today.

🎯 WALT: Express understanding through creative response

Success Criteria: I can show empathy and understanding of historical events

🎨 Part 3: Extended Response

🌟 Extension Activity (Advanced Learners)

Research another famous maritime disaster and compare it to the Wahine. What similarities and differences can you find?

📋 Differentiation Support

Dyslexia-Friendly Options:

• Read passage aloud with a buddy

• Use coloured overlay or larger font if needed

• Answer questions orally with teacher support

Additional Support:

• Highlight key words in each paragraph

• Work in pairs for discussion before writing

• Use visual timeline to sequence events