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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Australia's First People Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the diversity of Australia's first people and the long and continuous connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country.
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A Golden Democracy – Laws, Taxes and Voting Equality
A 60-minute lesson designed to explain how events during the gold rush influenced Australian laws, taxes, equality and voting rights, and how they shaped our current democracy.
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The First Fleet and the British Colonisation of Australia Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the stories of the First Fleet; including reasons for the journey, who travelled to Australia, their experiences following arrival and the impact colonisation had on Indigenous Australians.
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Australia Becomes a Nation Unit Plan
This Australian History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the establishment of the Australian colonies, Australian Federation and the Australian Constitution.
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Our Place - Australia Unit Plan
This Humanities and Social Sciences unit addresses a range of concepts relating to the natural and human features of Australia.
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First Nations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Involvement in the Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students explore the impact the Australian Gold Rush had on Indigenous peoples.
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A Digger's Life – Exploration of Life on the Goldfields
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the working and living conditions of miners on the Australian goldfields.
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Gold Fever - Kick Starting the Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the discovery of gold and initial phases of the Australian Gold Rush.
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Daily Life - Then and Now Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to how daily life of the present is different from the past and how it could change in the future.
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Australian History - Revisiting the Past
A 60-minute lesson in which students recap their prior knowledge of Australian history and the British colonisation of Australia.
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The First Maps - Stories and Songlines
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the oral traditions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples use to map landscapes.
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Gold – Defining It
A 60-minute lesson in which students will learn what gold is and how it helped shape the currency we use today.
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The Age of Exploration, Discovery and Expansion Unit Plan
This History unit covers a range of concepts relating to the early explorers of the Age of Exploration and the 'discovery' of Australia.
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Eureka Stockade – Fighting for a Vote
A 60-minute lesson in which students learn about the events that led to the Eureka Stockade and how they changed Australian society.
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Rivers of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify, describe and locate rivers in Australia.
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Celebrations Around The World Unit Plan
This Humanities and Social Sciences unit addresses the topic of celebrations. It covers personal, family and community celebrations; national days; Australia-specific commemorations and religious/cultural celebrations from around the world.
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Australian States and Territories
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate how Australia can be represented on a map as states and territories.
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The Establishment of Australia's Colonies
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the unique characteristics and history of the six colonies of Australia.
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The Six Colonies of Australia
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the establishment of the six colonies of Australia.
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The First Fleet
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the journey of the First Fleet to Australia.
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Three Levels of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the roles and responsibilities of each level of the Australian government.
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Factors Influencing Human Migration
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify different types of migration and the factors that influence migration.
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The Impact of Federation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the impact of Australian Federation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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Caring for Our School
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore their responsibility in caring for their school environment.
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Family Life - Then and Now
A 60 minute lesson in which students will compare daily family life from the past with the present.
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Occupations and Sustainability in Technologies Unit Plan
This Technology unit has been designed to investigate the role that technology plays in occupations within the community. Additionally, it introduces and explores the concept of sustainability.
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An Introduction to Aboriginal Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of Aboriginal art in Australia.
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The Original Inhabitants
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of Australia.
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My House
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate the importance of the places students live and explore the people who make up families.
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Let's Communicate!
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explain how we communicate with others.
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Australian Commemorations and Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore some significant Australian commemorations and celebrations.
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Life in Britain During the 1700s
A 60 minute lesson in which students will investigate life in Britain during the late 1700s.