Australia’s Changing Identity

Lesson Overview

In this 60-minute lesson, students will explore how Australia's identity has evolved over time, particularly through its history and multicultural influences. They will engage in discussions, evaluate key historical events and cultural changes, and reflect on what it means to be Australian today. This is lesson 11 of 16 in the "Australia’s Journey to Federation" unit, designed for Year 5 students and aligned with the NSW History Syllabus.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Describe how Australian identity has changed over time through key historical events.
Explain the role of multicultural influences on Australia’s identity post-Federation.
Evaluate different perspectives on what shapes Australian identity today.
Use historical terms and concepts appropriately when discussing Australia’s journey to Federation and after.

These objectives align with the NSW History syllabus for Year 5 Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), specifically addressing content related to Australia’s Federation period and evolving identity after Federation, including migration and cultural diversity.

Curriculum Links

History (HSIE) Year 5 Outcomes

ACHASSK112: Identify celebrations and commemorations and explain how these reflect Australian values, beliefs and cultures over time.
ACHASSI099: Develop texts, particularly narrative accounts, that incorporate historical sources and evidence from a range of perspectives.
ACHASSK113: Investigate stories of groups of people who migrated to Australia and the experiences they had (including Aboriginal Peoples’ history).

General Capabilities

Critical and Creative Thinking: Evaluating diverse perspectives of Australia’s identity.
Intercultural Understanding: Recognising the influence of multicultural communities on Australian society.

Equipment and Resources

Timeline posters or digital slides of key events from Australian Federation to present multicultural Australia.
Maps showing migration flows from different countries to Australia over time.
Short video clips or primary source excerpts (quotations/images) showing multicultural celebrations in Australia.
Worksheet for reflection and group discussion notes.
Whiteboard or interactive board for brainstorming.

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
10 mins	Engage: Identity Brainstorm	Begin with a whole-class brainstorm: What makes someone or something "Australian"? Record responses on the board categorised (history, culture, values). Prompt thinking about changes over time.
15 mins	Explore: Timeline Walk	Students, in pairs, rotate through stations showing key historical events (Federation, post-WWI migration, multicultural policy introduction, contemporary festivals). Each station has images, brief texts, and questions to discuss how each event influenced Australia’s identity.
15 mins	Explain: Group Discussion and Link to Multiculturalism	As a class, discuss how multiculturalism contributed to changes in identity. Use a Venn diagram on the board to compare early Australian identity (Federation era) with contemporary identity. Highlight Indigenous contributions and multicultural influences.
10 mins	Elaborate: Personal Reflection Activity	Students individually write or draw a sentence or two on how they see Australian identity today and why it matters. Encourage inclusion of multicultural influences they have learned about.
10 mins	Evaluate: Exit Ticket and Sharing	Students share their reflections with a partner or small group. Collect written reflections as an exit ticket to assess their understanding of Australia’s evolving identity. Optionally, share a few reflections with the class.

Teaching Strategies

Active Learning through gallery walk of timelines and images promotes engagement and discussion.
Collaborative Learning via paired and group discussions supports sharing diverse ideas and opinions.
Use of Primary Sources (images, quotes) to develop empathy and historical thinking.
Scaffolded Reflection to help students connect historical changes with their own perceptions.

Differentiation

Provide sentence starters or writing frames for students who require writing support.
Challenge advanced students to include specific historical details or explain multiple influences on identity.
Allow alternative expression through drawing or oral explanation for students with diverse learning needs.

Assessment and Feedback

Formative Assessment: Observation and notes from discussions and timeline walk to check understanding.
Written Reflection: Review student sentences/drawings to assess comprehension of changing Australian identity and multicultural influences.
Provide immediate oral feedback during class discussions, encouraging deeper thinking and clarification of ideas.

Extension Ideas

Students could interview family members about their understanding of Australian identity.
Create a class mural or digital presentation representing multicultural Australia today.
Investigate one cultural festival celebrated in Australia and present to the class.

This lesson embeds key NSW Curriculum requirements for Year 5 History focusing on Australia’s journey to Federation and the impact of multiculturalism on national identity, presenting an age-appropriate, engaging inquiry into how Australia’s identity continues to evolve through history and diversity.

Teaching Instructions