Take a Marco Polo-like tour of some rich curriculum resources. Explore the impact of Asian cultures in local Australian communities. Undertake an in-depth study of Chinese or Japanese society. Learn more about Australia’s development within the context of our place in the Asia-Pacific region. And much more ...
The national curriculum
Read about why an Asia focus is important in the national History curriculum.
History prizes awarded to Grade 6 student
Young historian Emily Doi, of Princes Street Primary School in Tasmania, won two prizes in the 2009 National History Challenge. Emily created a scrapbook titled, ‘Japanese War Brides’. She traced the experiences of these women who faced denigration at home and significant challenges in Australia. Emily’s scrapbook was a highly decorative and detailed representation of the issues faced by these brave women.
The theme for the 2010 National History Challenge is Celebrations, Memories and History. The AEF will sponsor a prize for the Asia and Australia category. Guidelines for the challenge, which is open to students from years 5 to 12, will be available in January 2010.
The Cultural Revolution: History resources
The Red Piano is a powerful illustrated story about a young Chinese pianist’s fight for self-expression. Inspired by the life story of renowned international concert pianist and recording artist, Zhu Xiao-Mei, the book tells a story from 35 years ago that still has relevance to the human rights situation in China today. More information about the book, along with teachers notes can be found on the Wilkins Farago website. Wilkins Farago also publish Kampung Boy.
Many schools use Mao's Last Dancer in text or film version to explore aspects of China's history or to explore the autobiography genre. 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.
Chinese propaganda posters provide multiple entry points into periods of China's history. Chinese Posters is an initiative of Stefan R. Landsberger and the International Institute of Social History. It has posters ranging from the period of Japanese occupation of China to the Cultural Revolution to modern challenges such as the impact of SARS and the celebration of the Beijing Olympics.
Focus on History
Discover units of work
History Unit: Small objects, family stories
Focus on family objects and tell stories that explore values and symbols important to a particular culture.
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History Unit: Contributions from the Past
Focus on the ancient civilisations of China and India through an investigation of how they were governed, their belief systems and their significant achievements.
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Economics/SOSE Unit: Regional Communities – Building a Sustainable Future
Explore Australia’s role as part of a regional community in what has been described by some as ‘the Asian century’.
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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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Professional learning for History teachers
Find professional learning related to teaching History, Geography, SOSE and themes such as globalisation.
Websites we like
History
The Hyperhistory site has a unit about the Vietnam War designed for middle secondary students who investigate the controversies, debates and consequences surrounding Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
