Diversity in Australia

Year Level: Year 11

Subject: Australian History

Lesson Duration: 30 Minutes

Curriculum Link:
Australian Curriculum - History: Year 11, Modern History, Unit 1 - Understanding Movements for Rights and Freedoms

• Historical Skills:
  • Analyse and evaluate the role of diverse cultural identities in shaping Australian society (ACHMH012).
  • Communicate informed arguments about historical topics using empathetic understanding and recognising diverse perspectives (ACHMH022).

Lesson Objective

Students will explore the cultural and linguistic diversity that has shaped Australia's identity, with an emphasis on Indigenous Australians and post-WWII immigration. They will evaluate how multiculturalism has contributed to contemporary Australia and develop empathy to better understand the ethical and social implications of diversity in Australia's history.

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Lesson Plan

Warm-Up: Cultural Reflection (5 Minutes)

1. Introduction Question: Ask students to brainstorm in pairs, "What is Australia's identity, and how might diversity be part of it?" Encourage them to draw on personal experiences or cultural observations.
2. Engagement Activity: After 2 minutes of discussion, nominate a few pairs to share a one-sentence summary of their ideas. Write these on the board under the heading "What Does Diversity Mean?"
   • Emphasise that diversity includes language, culture, traditions, and shared history.

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Activity 1: Interactive Timeline (10 Minutes)

Objective: Students will construct a timeline that explores Australia's cultural diversity over history.

1. Small Groups (4–5 students):

   • Divide the class into five small groups and hand out timeline cards (prepared beforehand).
   • Each card contains major events, such as:
     • Arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and initial interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
     • The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 (White Australia Policy).
     • Post-WWII Immigration Boom, especially in the 1950s and 1960s.
     • Recognition of Aboriginal Land Rights (Mabo Case - 1992).
     • The introduction of multicultural policies in the late 20th Century.

2. Task: Students work collaboratively to place the events in order on an interactive classroom timeline (either a physical or whiteboard timeline with magnets).

   • Ask students to discuss the significance of their group's event and consider: How might this event have impacted Australia's cultural identity?

3. Class Discussion: After assembling the timeline, take 2–3 minutes for each group to explain their event and its effects on cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia.

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Activity 2: Empathy Building – A Letter to the Past (10 Minutes)

Objective: Students will connect emotionally and ethically to Australia’s cultural history by writing a brief empathetic response as a historical figure or affected individual.

1. Interactive Role Play: Assign each group one of the following roles:

   • An Indigenous Australian responding to the arrival of colonisers.
   • A migrant arriving under the Assisted Passage Scheme in the 1950s.
   • A Greek-Australian youth during the 1970s celebrating their culture post-White Australia Policy.
   • A Vietnamese refugee in the 1970s after the Vietnam War.
   • A 21st-century Australian reflecting on the significance of multicultural festivals like Harmony Day.

2. Writing Task: Each group will write a 2–3 sentence letter in their assigned role. Prompt them to include:

   • How they feel in response to their situation.
   • What their hopes or fears are regarding Australia’s future.

3. Class Share: Groups will read their letters aloud, fostering perspective-taking and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences throughout history.

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Wrap-Up: Quickfire Reflections (5 Minutes)

1. Continuum Activity: Label two sides of the classroom as "Cultural Uniformity" and "Cultural Diversity." Pose this question to students: Where do you think Australian society has moved along this continuum from 1788 to today?

   • Students move to stand along the continuum based on their view.
   • Ask a few students to justify their position, highlighting connections to the key historical events discussed.

2. Closing Question: What is one takeaway about diversity in Australian history that surprised or resonated with you the most?

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Assessment Opportunities

• Evaluate engagement and responses during the Interactive Timeline discussion for understanding of major events and their implications.
• Assess empathy, historical literacy, and communication skills through letters and class-sharing tasks.
• Observe reflection and critical thinking during the Continuum Activity.

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Materials Needed

• Pre-made event cards for the timeline.
• Laminated or magnetic timeline strips.
• Writing paper and markers for the letter-writing task.
• Labels for the classroom continuum (e.g., "Cultural Uniformity" on one side, "Cultural Diversity" on the other).

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Notes for the Teacher

• Be mindful of the cultural identities and experiences in the room. Create a safe and respectful environment for discussion.
• Encourage students to explore not only challenges but also positive contributions of diversity to Australian identity.
• If time permits, consider extending the timeline activity into local or regional contributions to multiculturalism, involving the students’ own histories.