In this Together #NRW2020 27 May – 3 June
Australians are all In This Together; each one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation. The role of teachers is important and unique as we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures. We have free curriculum aligned lessons for all levels that are ideal to extend the theme of reconciliation into the classroom. Cool Australia focuses on helping students build understanding and broaden their perspectives when engaging with social issues. Our lessons are designed to empower students with information, letting them fully embrace the topic and energising them to create positive change. #ReconcilliationWeek #NRW2020 #InThisTogether2020 #sorryday #NAIDOC2020 #aussieteachertribe #teachingideas #authenticlearning #teachinginspiration |
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Looking for early learning or lower primary lesson ideas?Many of the lessons included on this page are designed for upper primary and secondary students. If you are looking for lessons for younger students we recommend you have a look at Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education (Reconciliation Australia) have lessons for all ages. |
Learning through documentaries
Film can be an incredible tool to introduce complex social issues and get students engaged in conversation. Many of our lessons are centred around award-winning documentaries as they allow teachers to engage students through story telling. The Final QuarterCool Australia has partnered with Shark Island Productions to create curriculum resources for acclaimed Australian documentary, The Final Quarter. The film focuses on the final years of AFL footballer Adam Goodes’ career, an Indigenous leader and Sydney Swans player who became a lightning rod for an intense public debate and widespread media commentary that divided the country. With 52 lessons designed for Years 5-12 the curriculum content includes specialist subject that investigate racism, privilege, truth-telling, cultural pride, resilience, values and dignity. In these lessons students will learn about taking responsibility for their words, actions and attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the importance of rejecting racism in all its forms. They will develop skills in active, conscious and reflective listening and communication, along with gaining an understanding of the Five Dimensions of Reconciliation.
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NEW Year 9 & 10 English LessonsIn My Blood It Runs has just been released in cinemas and our new lessons are now available! With your students ask how can we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to have equal access to education and make classrooms safe and respectful places for all students? Find out more
Now Available |
Celebrating Culture & Reconciliation in the Classroom |
Primary Teachers
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Celebrating Cultures – Hilda’s Story |
Who We Are: Brave New Clan |
Drama & HASS – Years 3 & 4 |
Years 4, 5 & 6 | Unit Links: People Culture Country/Place |
Students will engage with the story of Yanyuwa woman, Hilda Jarman Muir, a member of the Stolen Generations. They will then explore and respond to a historical story from their own community, improvising some dramatic scenes about this story for performance. The Celebrating Cultures project also includes lessons for Years 5 & 6 English focusing on connecting to Our Country. Find out more |
Follow the lives of six exceptional young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as they share stories about their communities, history and cultures in contemporary Australia. The young people in the film reflect with pride on where they came from, the courage they needed to get where they are, and the optimism they have for where they are going. The teaching resources are divided into three primary school units; People, Culture, and Country/Place. Lessons cover: English, HASS, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Arts |
Secondary Teachers
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The Final Quarter – Racism & School Responsibility |
The Final Quarter – Towards Reconciliation |
Blue Water Empire |
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HPE – Years 7 & 8 |
Civics & Citizenship – Year 10 |
Years 7 & 10 |
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Examine how your school combats racism and bullying and make suggestions for positive change. Students will conduct a class-based audit to assess how well their school is combating racism, bullying, discrimination and harassment and consider possible improvements to the school’s policies. |
Explores injustices faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their rights and the continuing journey towards reconciliation. Students gain an understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is and the implications that it has for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia. |
Blue Water Empire is a 3-part dramatised-documentary series originally aired on ABC. The series gives a unique insight into the history of the Torres Strait Islands. The series Info Packs cover themes and provide useful links to introduce into the classroom. |
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Research Focus: Teaching Cool Burning in the Classroom |
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What’s so cool about ‘cool burning’?
For tens of thousands of years Australian Aboriginal peoples have actively managed the savanna using fire. Their knowledge of the seasons and local conditions enable them to produce the most effective cool burns. These cool burns benefit both the environment and the Aboriginal traditional way of life. Our teacher PD lets you build confidence in teaching Indigenous topics, and lets you make learning relevant by connecting to land management in your local area. These resources allow students to explore the use of cool burns as a way to manage country and how Indigenous Australians are the knowledge keepers of fire. |
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Primary |
Secondary |
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Teach Caring for Country Using Fire |
Cool Burning – For Primary Students |
Teach Indigenous Land Management
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Cool Burning – For Secondary Students |
Explore Aboriginal Histories and Cultures in Years 3-6 through the stories of traditional owners and the fire-stick techniques they use to care for the land. Course Length: Two Hours |
In this learning unit, your students will investigate the way that Indigenous Australian land managers conduct controlled burns during the cool season of Australia’s tropical savanna regions. These land managers are also sharing their knowledge with scientists so that everyone can care for Country. |
Incorporate Aboriginal Histories and Cultures in Year 7-10 Geography by exploring how traditional owners are using fire to manage the land. Course Length: Two Hours |
In this fascinating study, students investigate the ancient land management strategy of burning off dangerous fuel loads in Australia’s tropical savanna regions. Students will explore and develop their understanding of new concepts, then use and consolidate their new knowledge to form their own conclusions about cool burning. |
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Cool Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.