The Australian curriculum
Click here to read about why an Asia focus is important in the Australian History and English curriculums.
The Australian Story and the Development of Australian Curriculum for Geography
In his presentation at the AEF National Summit Leading Asia Literacy, 22-23 March in Sydney, Nick Hutchinson challenged the audience to explore how Australian identity has been and is being shaped by proximity to the Asian region and its peoples (Australian Story) and the role of Asian languages within the curriculum as a whole.
Nick stated, ‘The Geography Curriculum should inspire students to become global citizens by exploring their own place in the Asia-Pacific region, their responsibilities to other people, to the environment, and to the sustainability of the planet.’
Read his paper on the Australian Story for Geography (PDF, 135 kb)
Latest Resources
Connect Values Education and a focus on Asia
New values resources with a focus on developing intercultural understandings have just been released. The World of Values uses multimedia and scaffolded teaching activities to explore five themes: Communities, Peacemakers, Boundaries, Future Makers and The Big Questions. Side by Side is a big book promoting intercultural understanding and community relationships and Teaching for Intercultural Understanding is a professional learning program for school communities. One copy of Side by Side has been distributed to all primary schools. Additional copies are available for purchase from Curriculum Corporation’s online shop.
Screen Asia video clips
Access 20 new Screen Asia resources on the Australian Children’s Television Foundation website. Digitised video clips are accompanied by teaching activities and contextual information. Films such as On Loan, Operation Babylift, Vietnam Symphony, Diverted to Delhi and The Price of Freedom – Fearless form the basis of the Screen Asia resources along with Kahootz Xpressions which models student-generated learning objects. Resources are suitable for middle school studies in English, History and The Arts.
Mao’s Last Dancer Study Guide
Access an online Study Guide to support the release of the film Mao’s Last Dancer at Metro Magazine. Teaching activities support the areas of Media Studies, History, English, Politics and Values Education. The list of topics includes ‘Li, his life and times’, ‘Culture Shock: Li in America’, ‘A Matter of Mood: Imagery and Tone’, ‘The People’s Republic of China’ and ‘Historical/Political Context’.
Focus on China
Popular China resources
Snapshots of Asia: China
Food, celebrations, the environment and many more aspects of life in China form the focus of this big book.
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The River
A picture storybook set in China. Contrasts traditional and contemporary China through the eyes of a young girl who goes on a quest.
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Voices and Visions from China CD-ROM
Access authentic, topical materials from China, along with rich and rewarding learning activities for senior secondary students in English classes.
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Most popular resource
CrossCurrents: Discovering Civics and Citizenship in Our Region
This History/SOSE resource is a collection of readings providing cultural and historical perspectives in Asian contexts.
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School change
Focus on Asia in your school.
Engaging Young Australians with Asia: Teacher and School Resource
A guide to implementing the National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools.
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Now More Than Ever We Live in One World ...
Explores authentic examples of studies of Asia and internationalised curriculum – how it looks in practice in a school or classroom.
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Getting Started with Intercultural Language Learning
This resource explores five aspects of intercultural language learning and provides examples of school-based practice.
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Websites we like
Visualising Cultures is a rich site focusing on the histories of China and Japan. It explores the cultures of modernisation, war and peace and consumerism amongst other themes. Find good sites for teachers of English and Literacy or sites that have a range of connections with studies of Asia.
