HASS · Year 5 · Bushrangers and the Bush · Term 2

Origins of Bushranging

Explore the social and economic conditions that led to the emergence of bushrangers in colonial Australia.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS5K01

About This Topic

This topic introduces the phenomenon of bushranging in 19th-century Australia. Students investigate who these individuals were, from early runaway convicts to the 'wild colonial boys' of the mid-1800s. The curriculum explores the social and economic conditions that led people to take to the bush, including the harshness of the law, the lure of the goldfields, and the lack of opportunities for poor settlers.

Bushrangers are a central part of Australian folklore, and this topic allows students to critically analyze how history and legend intertwine. It provides a platform to discuss the concept of 'social bandits' and why some segments of the public supported criminals. This study connects to broader themes of colonial law, order, and the developing Australian identity.

Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, especially when debating the motives behind a bushranger's actions.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the societal factors that contributed to individuals becoming bushrangers.
2. Explain the connection between convictism and early bushranging.
3. Compare the motivations of early bushrangers with later figures like Ned Kelly.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the social and economic conditions in colonial Australia that contributed to the rise of bushranging.
• Explain the direct connection between the convict system and the emergence of early bushrangers.
• Compare the motivations and public perception of early bushrangers with later figures like Ned Kelly.
• Classify the different types of bushrangers based on their origins and activities during the colonial period.

Before You Start

Life in Colonial Australia

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the social structure, daily life, and key institutions of colonial Australia before exploring specific phenomena like bushranging.

The British Convict System

Why: Understanding the purpose and conditions of convict transportation is essential for grasping the origins of early bushrangers who were often escaped convicts.

Key Vocabulary

Convictism	The system of transporting convicted criminals from Britain to penal colonies in Australia, establishing a large population of forced laborers.
Ticket of Leave	A document granted to convicts that allowed them conditional freedom to work and live outside of a penal settlement, but with strict conditions.
Goldfields	Areas in colonial Australia where gold was discovered, attracting large numbers of people and leading to significant social and economic upheaval.
Social Bandit	A term used to describe outlaws who are perceived by some segments of society as folk heroes or rebels fighting against oppressive systems.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

All bushrangers were like Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

What to Teach Instead

While some had public support, many were violent and stole from anyone they encountered. Analyzing police reports alongside folk songs helps students see the difference between historical fact and romanticized legend.

Common Misconception

Bushrangers only existed during the time of Ned Kelly.

What to Teach Instead

Bushranging began with the very first convicts (bolters) in the late 1700s and lasted over a century. A timeline activity helps students see the different 'waves' of bushranging throughout colonial history.

Active Learning Ideas

Think-Pair-Share: Why Go Bush?

Students are given a short 'backstory' of a fictional convict or poor selector. They discuss with a partner the specific reasons why this person might choose a life of crime in the bush over their current situation.

20 min·Pairs

Gallery Walk: Bushranger Profiles

Stations around the room feature different bushrangers like Ben Hall, Captain Thunderbolt, and Mad Dog Morgan. Students collect evidence of their crimes and any 'good' deeds reported by the public to build a profile.

40 min·Individual

Inquiry Circle: The Bushranger's Toolkit

Groups research the technology of the time, such as horses, telegraphs, and firearms. They create a 'survival guide' explaining how bushrangers used the landscape and technology to evade the police.

50 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Historians at the National Museum of Australia analyze primary source documents, such as police records and personal diaries, to reconstruct the lives of bushrangers and understand the colonial justice system.
• Tourism operators in regional New South Wales offer tours of historical sites associated with bushrangers like the Jenolan Caves, connecting modern visitors to the landscape of colonial Australia.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Was it the harshness of the law or the lure of gold that most significantly contributed to people becoming bushrangers?' Facilitate a class debate, asking students to provide evidence from the lesson to support their arguments.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short case study of an early bushranger and a later one, like Ned Kelly. Ask them to complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting their backgrounds, motivations, and the public's view of them.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, ask students to write two sentences explaining how being a convict might lead someone to become a bushranger, and one sentence explaining why some people might have supported bushrangers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 'bolter' and a bushranger?

A 'bolter' was an early convict who escaped from custody to live in the bush, often just to survive. As the colonies grew, 'bushranger' became the term for those who lived in the bush and committed armed robbery, often targeting travelers, mail coaches, and banks.

Why did some members of the public help bushrangers?

Many poor settlers felt the police and the government were unfair and only protected the wealthy. They saw bushrangers as people standing up to an unjust system. In exchange for food or information about police movements, bushrangers sometimes shared their stolen money or simply provided a sense of 'rebellion' that people admired.

How did the police eventually catch bushrangers?

The introduction of the telegraph allowed police to communicate faster than a horse could travel. The use of Aboriginal Trackers was also vital, as they had the skills to follow trails through the bush that European police could not see. Better firearms and higher rewards for capture also played a role.

How can active learning help students understand the bushranger era?

Active learning strategies like 'Gallery Walks' or 'Collaborative Investigations' help students move beyond the 'hero' myth. By examining primary sources like 'Wanted' posters and newspaper articles, students can weigh the evidence themselves. This encourages critical thinking about how media and storytelling can shape our perception of historical figures.