Migration Stories · Term 3

Refugee and Asylum Seeker Experiences

Understand the reasons why people seek asylum, the challenges they face, and their contributions to Australian society.

About This Topic

Multiculturalism in Action celebrates the vibrant diversity of contemporary Australian life. Students explore how migration has shaped our food, festivals, music, and languages, creating a 'tapestry' of cultures. The topic also examines the official policy of multiculturalism, which encourages all Australians to celebrate their heritage while remaining committed to the nation and its democratic values.

This unit helps students appreciate the benefits of a diverse society and promotes inclusion within the school community. It connects to ACARA standards regarding the shared values of Australian citizenship and the importance of intercultural understanding. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, as they share their own family histories and cultural traditions.

Active Learning Ideas

Gallery Walk: A Taste of Australia

Students bring in or draw a picture of a food that is now 'Australian' but came from another culture (e.g., Banh Mi, Pizza, Dim Sims). They write a short history of the dish and its cultural origins for others to read.

⏱ 40 min·Individual

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Inquiry Circle: Festival Finders

Small groups are assigned a cultural festival celebrated in Australia (e.g., Lunar New Year, Eid, Diwali, Moomba). They research its meaning and create a 'Festival Guide' for the class.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: What Makes Us 'Us'?

Students discuss with a partner: 'Can you be 100% Australian and also 100% proud of your Italian/Chinese/Sudanese heritage?' They share their thoughts on how multiple identities make Australia stronger.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Multiculturalism means we don't have a shared Australian culture.

What to Teach Instead

Multiculturalism is built on a shared commitment to Australian law and democracy, while allowing room for cultural expression. Using the 'Salad Bowl' vs. 'Melting Pot' analogy helps students see how individual parts make a better whole.

Common Misconception

Multiculturalism is only about food and dancing.

What to Teach Instead

It is also about equal rights, access to services, and political representation. Peer discussion about 'Harmony Day' versus 'Human Rights' helps students see the deeper layers of the policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did multiculturalism become an official policy?

It began in the 1970s, moving away from 'assimilation' (where people were expected to give up their culture) to 'multiculturalism' (where diversity is welcomed). It was championed by both the Whitlam and Fraser governments.

How many languages are spoken in Australia?

Over 300 different languages are spoken in Australian homes! While English is the national language, many people speak languages like Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Italian, as well as many First Nations languages.

What is Harmony Week?

Harmony Week is celebrated every March. It coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a time for schools and workplaces to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the message that 'everyone belongs'.

How can active learning help students understand multiculturalism?

Active learning encourages students to bring their own lived experiences into the classroom. By sharing family stories or investigating the 'cultural map' of their own suburb, students see that multiculturalism isn't just a government policy, it's the reality of their own lives and friendships.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU