Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Foundation HASS
Foundation HASS: exploring personal stories, families, and the world around us. Children discover who they are, where they belong, and how people and places are special.
01Who Am I and My History
Children explore their own identity, their family structures, and how they have grown and changed over time.
Students will learn to differentiate between primary and secondary historical sources and understand their uses in historical inquiry.
Students will explore the methods archaeologists use to discover and interpret ancient sites and artifacts.
Investigating the rise of early civilizations in Mesopotamia, focusing on their social structures and innovations.
Exploring the civilization of Ancient Egypt, including the role of the Nile River and daily life.
Focusing on the pharaohs, religious beliefs, and monumental architecture of Ancient Egypt.
Studying the early urban planning and societal organization of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Exploring the major achievements and cultural contributions of the Mauryan and Gupta Empires in Ancient India.
Investigating the major dynasties of Ancient China and key philosophical traditions (e.g., Confucianism, Daoism).
Focusing on significant technological advancements from Ancient China and the role of the Silk Road.
Exploring the unique political structures of Greek city-states and the origins of democracy in Athens.
Examining the contributions of Greek philosophers and thinkers, and their impact on Western thought.
Examining the formation and expansion of the Roman Republic and its political institutions.
Investigating the transition from Republic to Empire, the period of Pax Romana, and the factors leading to its fall.
02Places and Connections
Identifying familiar places, understanding their features, and exploring First Nations connections to Country.
Introducing fundamental geographical concepts such as place, space, environment, interconnection, scale, sustainability, and change.
Students will learn to use latitude, longitude, and understand map scale to locate places and measure distances.
An introduction to GIS and how it is used to collect, manage, and analyze geographical data for various purposes.
Investigating the formation of major landforms and landscapes through tectonic processes (e.g., mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes).
Exploring global climate zones, major weather phenomena, and the factors influencing global weather patterns.
Understanding different biomes (e.g., forests, deserts, grasslands) and the interconnections within their ecosystems.
Examining global population distribution and density, factors influencing settlement patterns, and the challenges and opportunities of population growth.
Investigating the causes (push and pull factors), patterns, and impacts of internal and international migration on both origin and destination regions.
Exploring the process of urbanisation, the growth of cities, and the associated environmental, social, and economic challenges and opportunities.
Examining the distribution, use, and management of essential resources such as water and energy, and the challenges of ensuring future supply.
Investigating global food production, distribution, and the challenges of achieving food security for all populations.
Exploring the causes and impacts of major environmental changes, including climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
Learning how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special connection to the land and how we can all help.
03Our Community and Celebrations
Exploring the groups we belong to and the special days that people celebrate in Australia and around the world.
Investigating the three levels of government in Australia (Federal, State/Territory, Local) and their respective roles and responsibilities.
Exploring the structure of the Australian Parliament (House of Representatives, Senate) and how laws are made.
Exploring the principles of Australian democracy, the electoral process, and how citizens participate in choosing their representatives.
An introduction to the Australian legal system, including the role of laws, courts, and the principles of justice and fairness.
Investigating the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens, including civic duties, freedoms, and legal obligations.
Exploring how individuals and groups can actively participate in their communities and advocate for social change and public good.
Examining Australia's role in international affairs, its relationships with other countries, and participation in global organisations.
Introducing fundamental economic concepts such as scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and the basic economic problem.
Exploring the roles of consumers and producers in an economy, how they interact, and the factors influencing their decisions.
Investigating how supply and demand interact in markets to determine prices and allocate resources.
Developing basic financial literacy skills, including understanding different ways to earn income, the importance of saving, and making informed spending decisions.
Investigating common celebrations like birthdays, religious holidays, and national days of significance.
Introducing the idea of remembering people or events from the past through days like ANZAC Day or NAIDOC Week.
04Working Together
Focusing on social skills, rules, and how we make decisions as a group to ensure fairness and safety.
Exploring the concept of globalisation and how it leads to increased interconnectedness between national economies through trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
Investigating different types of business structures (e.g., sole trader, partnership, company) and their purposes in the economy.
Exploring the concept of entrepreneurship, the characteristics of entrepreneurs, and the role of innovation and risk-taking in business development.
Examining the concept of ethical consumerism, considering the social and environmental impacts of purchasing decisions.
Investigating the techniques used in advertising and marketing and their influence on consumer behaviour and choices.
Exploring different types of work and employment, the changing nature of the workforce, and the skills needed for future careers.
An introduction to basic economic indicators (e.g., GDP, inflation, unemployment) and how they are used to measure the health of an economy.
An introduction to the idea that everyone has rights and responsibilities in a group, from family to community.
Exploring different ways groups make decisions, including consensus, voting, and compromise, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Learning strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and fairly within groups and communities.
Understanding the purpose of rules and laws in maintaining safety and order in communities, and how they are created.