Core Skills Analysis
History
- BJ learned that the First Fleet arrived in Australia in 1788 and that its arrival was part of the establishment of the first British colony.
- BJ investigated reasons the British came to Australia, connecting historical events with the motives behind them.
- BJ explored challenges faced by early European settlers, considering what establishing a colony involved.
- BJ examined how the First Fleet’s arrival affected Aboriginal peoples, engaging with the impact of colonisation on Australia’s First Peoples.
Civics and Citizenship
- BJ considered Governor Arthur Phillip’s role in leading the establishment of the colony.
- BJ reflected on leadership qualities, using a historical figure as a focus for thinking about responsibility and decision-making.
- BJ explored how colonial decisions affected different groups, building awareness of varied experiences and perspectives in history.
English and Literacy
- BJ read historical information and used research to build understanding of the First Fleet and its context.
- BJ developed questions about the topic, practising inquiry and turning curiosity into focused investigation.
- BJ analysed illustrations as historical sources, paying attention to how visual material can contribute to understanding the past.
- BJ reflected on his learning, practising the communication of ideas about historical events and leadership.
Tips
Tips Extend BJ’s learning by creating a simple timeline of key events connected with the First Fleet, then invite BJ to explain how each event fits into the story of colonisation. Compare a historical illustration with a written account and discuss what each source shows, whose perspective it may represent, and what questions it raises. Explore Aboriginal perspectives through age-appropriate resources created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, giving attention to continuing connections to Country and the effects of colonisation. Finally, have BJ choose one leadership quality associated with Arthur Phillip and support the reflection with evidence from the workbook or research.
Book Recommendations
- The First Fleet by Alan Boardman: An illustrated introduction to the First Fleet and the beginning of British colonisation in Australia, suitable for supporting BJ’s historical inquiry.
- My Place by Sally Morgan: A richly illustrated history of one place across generations, offering a way to think about changing perspectives and Aboriginal presence in Australia.
- Young Dark Emu: A Truer History by Bruce Pascoe: A youth adaptation that introduces evidence about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and encourages readers to examine historical accounts critically.
Try This Next
- Timeline task: Place 1788 and key First Fleet events on a timeline, adding one sentence about why each event matters.
- Source detective: Choose an illustration from the workbook and write three observations and two questions it raises.
- Perspective prompt: Write a short reflection on how the arrival of the First Fleet affected Aboriginal peoples, using information from BJ’s research.