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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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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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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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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Aboriginal Dot Painting
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal dot painting.
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The Dreaming, Stories and Songlines
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the importance of The Dreaming, Dreamtime stories and songlines in Aboriginal cultures.
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The Australian Constitution
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the impact of the Australian Constitution on Australian society.
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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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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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The Natural Environment of South America - Inquiry Task
A 60 minute lesson in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the natural environment of South America through an open-ended inquiry.
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Assessment: Living Wax Museum – Australian Gold Rush
A 60-minute assessment designed to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the people, politics and events of the Australian Gold Rush.
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The Natural Environment of Africa
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of Africa.
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Where in the World?
A 60 minute lesson in which students will revise world geography.
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Community Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how and why communities celebrate.
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Family Celebrations
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify how and why families celebrate.
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Aboriginal X-Ray Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal x-ray art.
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Aboriginal Body Painting
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal body painting.
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Aboriginal Bark Paintings
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal bark paintings.
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Aboriginal Rock Art
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal rock art.
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Australian Parliament
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the place and purpose of Australian Parliament.
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Australia's System of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore Australia's system of government.
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Different Systems of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the different types of government systems.
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A System of Government
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify reasons why a country needs a system of government.
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Reflection of Learning
A 60 minute lesson in which students will reflect on what they have learned about the continents of Africa and South America.
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The Natural Environment of South America
A 60 minute lesson in which students will explore the natural environment of the continent of South America.
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The Natural Environment of Africa - Inquiry Task
A 60-minute lesson in which students will demonstrate their understanding of the natural environment of Africa through an open-ended inquiry.
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Celebrations Inquiry Task - Researching
A 60 minute lesson in which students will deepen understanding of celebrations around the world through inquiry-based research.
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Applying Aboriginal Art Techniques - Assessment Task
An assessment task in which students will demonstrate their understanding of Aboriginal art techniques.
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First Fleet Assessment Task
An inquiry-based assessment task in which students will demonstrate an understanding of the people impacted by the arrival of the First Fleet.
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An Expanding Colony
A 60 minute lesson in which students will identify the struggles of the early colony and the reasons for expansion.
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Aboriginal Cross-Hatching
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal cross-hatching.
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Aboriginal Wandjina Artworks
A 60 minute lesson in which students will understand the history and traditional techniques of Aboriginal Wandjina artworks.