History 5-6

Community and First contacts

In Levels 3 and 4, students explore the history and diversity of their community and the celebrations and commemorations, symbols and emblems important to Australians and others. They are introduced to world history and movement of peoples. Beginning with the history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students examine European exploration and colonisation...

From Colony to Nation​:

In Levels 5 and 6, students study colonial Australia in the 1800s and the development of Australia as a nation, particularly after 1900. Students look at the founding of British colonies and the development of a colony. They learn about what life was like for different groups of people in the colonial period. They examine significant events and people, political and economic developments, social structures, and settlement patterns. Students explore the factors that led to Federation and experiences of democracy and citizenship over time. Students understand the significance of Australia’s British heritage, the Westminster system, and other models that influenced the development of Australia’s system of government. Students learn about the way of life of people who migrated to Australia and their contributions to Australia’s economic and social development.

In this band, students will apply the following historical concepts and skills to the historical knowledge: sequencing chronology, using historical sources as evidence, identifying continuity and change, analysing causes and effect and determining historical significance.

Key questions:

• What do we know about the lives of people in Australia’s colonial past and how do we know?
• How did an Australian colony develop over time and why?
• How did colonial settlement change the environment?
• What were the significant events and who were the significant people that shaped Australian colonies?
• Why and how did Australia become a nation?
• How did Australian society change throughout the twentieth century?
• Who were the people who came to Australia? Why did they come?
• What contribution have significant individuals and groups made to the development of Australian society.