Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 6 HASS
Year 6 HASS: Australia as a nation, democratic values, migration stories, and Australia's place in the Asia-Pacific. Students explore the key events, ideas, and people that have shaped modern Australia.
Australia as a Nation
Students investigate the key events and developments that shaped Australia in the 20th century, from Federation to the modern era.
Exploring the reasons why the six colonies decided to unite and the key figures like Henry Parkes who led the movement.
The early years of the Commonwealth of Australia, including the first parliament, the new capital, and the nation's early challenges.
How World War I shaped Australia's identity through the Anzac legend, the home front, and the cost of war.
The economic crisis of the 1930s and its profound impact on Australian families and the national spirit.
How WWII transformed Australian society, including the changing roles of women and the shift in global alliances.
Democratic Values
Students explore the values and principles of Australian democracy, how they developed and how they work in practice.
The roles and responsibilities of Federal, State, and Local governments in the Australian system.
Understanding the electoral process, compulsory voting, and how preferential voting works in Australia.
The rights and freedoms Australians enjoy, and the responsibilities that come with being a citizen.
Tracing the origins of Australia's parliament back to the British system and the role of the Monarch.
How individuals and groups can participate in democracy and influence government decisions through activism.
Migration Stories
Students investigate how migration has shaped Australia, covering the waves of migration, the stories of migrants, and the creation of a multicultural nation.
The massive wave of migration after WWII and the government policies designed to grow the population.
The gradual dismantling of the White Australia policy and the shift toward a non-discriminatory migration policy.
Understanding the reasons people seek asylum and the contributions refugees have made to Australian life.
Celebrating the cultural diversity of modern Australia through food, festivals, and language.
Australia in the Asia-Pacific
Students explore Australia's connections with the Asia-Pacific region, including trade, culture, diplomacy, and shared responsibilities.
Identifying the countries of the Asia-Pacific and the diversity of their cultures and environments.
How Australia trades with countries in the Asia-Pacific and why these economic links are vital.
Australia's role in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief to neighbouring countries.
How Australia works with regional partners to protect the ocean and address climate change.
The concept of being a global citizen and the shared responsibility for human rights and peace.
First Nations Rights and Reconciliation
Students explore the ongoing journey towards reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The history of forced removals and the impact on First Nations families and identity.
The campaign for constitutional change to include Aboriginal people in the census and federal law-making.
Eddie Mabo's fight to overturn "terra nullius" and the recognition of land rights.
Understanding the call for Voice, Treaty, and Truth as a path toward reconciliation.
Economic Resources and Work
Students explore how resources are managed and how the nature of work is changing in Australia.
The basic economic problem of scarcity and how individuals and society make choices.
Investigating natural, human, and capital resources used in the production of goods.
How technology and automation are changing the types of jobs available and the skills needed.
Understanding the role of the consumer in the economy and the protections available.
How businesses use innovation and entrepreneurship to solve problems and create value.