Humanities and Social Sciences
In a world that is increasingly culturally diverse and dynamically interconnected, it is important that students come to understand their world, past and present, and develop a capacity to respond to challenges, now and in the future, in innovative, informed, personal and collective ways.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences plays an important role in harnessing students’ curiosity and imagination about the world they live in and empowers them to actively shape their lives; make reflective, informed decisions; value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society; and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally.
Thinking about and responding to issues requires an understanding of different perspectives; the key historical, geographical, political, economic and societal factors involved; and how these different factors interrelate. The Humanities and Social Sciences in F–6/7, which encompasses the knowledge and understandings of history, geography, civics and citizenship, and economics and business, gives students a deep understanding of the world they live in from a range of perspectives, past and present, and encourages them to develop an appreciation and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity.
The Australian Curriculum for the Humanities and Social Sciences empowers students to shape change by developing a range of skills to enable them to make informed decisions and solve problems. The subject provides students with the skills, behaviours and capabilities that will equip them to face challenges in their lifetime and to participate in and contribute to the wellbeing and sustainability of the environment, the economy and society. Through studying Humanities and Social Sciences, students are given opportunities to develop their ability to question, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.
Through the Humanities and Social Sciences, students become well placed to contribute to Australia’s ideas of a cohesive society, sustainable environment, productive economy and stable democracy.
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The First Fleet PowerPoint
A 15 slide editable PowerPoint presentation to use when teaching students about the First Fleet.
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Australia's Three Levels of Government - Triarama Activity
Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australia's three levels of government with this hands-on learning task.
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Communication - Past, Present and Future PowerPoint
A 13 slide editable PowerPoint template to use when comparing present day communication devices and their uses with the past.
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I Am Sorry – Poem and Discussion Questions
A poem to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
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National Sorry Day – Mindfulness Colouring Sheet
A mindful colouring activity to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
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Blank Map of Australia - Template
Record and represent data about the location of significant places with this printable blank map of the continent of Australia.
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Australian Gold Rush: Gold Fever – Teaching Presentation
A teaching presentation that explores the origins of the Australian Gold Rush.
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A British Penal Colony - Teaching Slides
A 25 slide editable PowerPoint presentation to use when teaching students about the British colonisation of Australia.
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Timeline of the First Fleet's Journey to Australia - Banner
A four-page timeline of the history of the voyage of the First Fleet.
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The Roles and Responsibilities of Australia's Three Levels of Government - PowerPoint
Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australia's federal, state and local governments with this informative teaching presentation.
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National Sorry Day – Reconciliation Hand
A reconciliation hand to promote thoughtful discussion on National Sorry Day.
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States and Territories of Australia PowerPoint
Explore Australia's six states and two territories with this 27-slide editable teaching presentation.
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World Map with Countries - Black and White
Teach your students about the continents and countries of the world with this black-and-white world map.
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Australian Gold Rush: Map Where It's At - Worksheet
A fun mapping activity for students to pinpoint gold finds and gold rush locations between 1851 to 1893 on a map of Australia.
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The Natural Environment of Australia PowerPoint
A 23 slide editable PowerPoint template to use when introducing students to the climate, vegetation and animals of Australia.
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Transport - Past, Present and Future PowerPoint
An 11 slide editable PowerPoint template to use when comparing different modes of transport and their uses from today with the past.
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Natural vs. Man-Made Features - Sorting Activity
A sorting activity to help students identify the natural and human features of environments.
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Impacts of Colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Posters
Posters highlighting the main impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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The Establishment of Australia's Colonies PowerPoint
A 32 slide editable PowerPoint to use in the classroom when learning about the establishment of British colonies in Australia.
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Colonisation to Federation – Australian History Timeline
A 4 page timeline to display in the classroom when learning about the history of Australia.
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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art PowerPoint
A 54 slide editable PowerPoint to use in the classroom when learning about Aboriginal art.
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Map of Australia - Labelling Activity
Discover and label Australia's states, capital cities and key landmarks on this blank map.
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Ships of the First Fleet - Writing Templates
A set of 3 ship templates to use in the classroom when learning about the ships of the First Fleet.
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Australia's System of Government - PowerPoint
A 28 slide editable PowerPoint presnetation to use in the classroom when learning about Australia's system of government.
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Immigration Worksheets - Year 4-5 Reading Comprehension Pack
Use our differentiated Immigration Worksheets to introduce your students to the concept of immigration and the reasons why people migrate to new countries.
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Responsibilities of Australia's Three Levels of Government - Sorting Activity
Explore the roles and responsibilities of Australia's three levels of government with this hands-on sorting activity.
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Australia and Its Neighbours - Poster and Labelling Activity
A set of maps and worksheet for students to use when looking at Australia and its neighbours.
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Convict Identification Cards - Template
A convict identification card template to use in the classroom when learning about the convicts of the First Fleet.
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Gold Rush Writing Prompt – A Letter From the Goldfields
Download this Gold Rush writing prompt where students explain life on the Australian goldfields during 1852.
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Human Migration Match-Up Activity
A match-up activity linking human migration terms, examples and definitions.
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Australia-Centred World Map
Teach your students about the continents, oceans and countries of the world with this Australia-centred world map.
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Life as a Convict - Journal Writing Task
A journal writing worksheet for students to complete in the classroom, or as a homework task, when learning about convicts.