Australian history
Colonisation (1788 - 1900) - At the time of colonisation of Australia, Great Britain was in need of new land to place its convicts. After early sightings of Australia by Captain James Cook, it was decided that Australia would become a new British Colony where convicts would be sent and used for labour in establishing a new colony.
In 1788, the first fleet of ships landed in Botany Bay and so began the colonisation of Australia.
Post Federation (1901 - 2000) - The Post Federation period was marked by the two world wars. While science advanced the way we lived through the industrialisation of manufacturing. The warring periods were interspersed with the Great Depression. Australia was becoming more involved with their outdoor lifestyles and the passion for sports was great.
In 1788, the first fleet of ships landed in Botany Bay and so began the colonisation of Australia.
Post Federation (1901 - 2000) - The Post Federation period was marked by the two world wars. While science advanced the way we lived through the industrialisation of manufacturing. The warring periods were interspersed with the Great Depression. Australia was becoming more involved with their outdoor lifestyles and the passion for sports was great.
Australian identity - who are we?
Australian Cultural Identity according to General Peter Cosgrove, a retired Australian Army Officer. He was the Chief of the Defence Force from 3rd July 2002 to 3 July 2005 when he retired from service.
“It is a generosity of spirit and a selflessness that is perhaps our most precious heritage to hand on to younger and newer Australians – a nation of people who care for and look out for each other.”
The search for Australia's identity is often talked about but rarely defined. In 2010, the Australian Government launched the search to define the country's identity. Click the link to view the youtube clip about the search.
Australian identities is about the exploring citizens cultural identities, the effect of events and various influences that underpins the diverse notion of being Australian.
Click the movie titles below to explore how Australian's are depicted through visual media.
They're a Weird Mob (1966)
Gallipoli (1981)
Ned Kelly (2003)
“It is a generosity of spirit and a selflessness that is perhaps our most precious heritage to hand on to younger and newer Australians – a nation of people who care for and look out for each other.”
The search for Australia's identity is often talked about but rarely defined. In 2010, the Australian Government launched the search to define the country's identity. Click the link to view the youtube clip about the search.
Australian identities is about the exploring citizens cultural identities, the effect of events and various influences that underpins the diverse notion of being Australian.
Click the movie titles below to explore how Australian's are depicted through visual media.
They're a Weird Mob (1966)
Gallipoli (1981)
Ned Kelly (2003)
exploring the
aboriginal heritage
& culture of australia
There were many Aboriginal groups, spread across the country.
They lived far apart from each other, so they spoke their own language: about 230 Aboriginal languages have been counted.
There was no written language so talking and storytelling were the means of communication and of passing on history. Stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
They lived far apart from each other, so they spoke their own language: about 230 Aboriginal languages have been counted.
There was no written language so talking and storytelling were the means of communication and of passing on history. Stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
The rainbow serpent
Ancient Australian creation myths of the Rainbow Serpent can be traced back in rock art at least 6000 years. Both in art and oral narration, the myths differ slightly from one region to another. However, all the stories share a common thread; the fundamental role of water in nature’s cycle of growth and regeneration. Fertility, drought and flood are all aspects of nature that resonate with the human condition, and all are inextricably linked to that precious commodity.
The mythology of the Rainbow Serpent plays an important part in the harmonious coming together of different Aboriginal clans. All of the elements of cultural life played a role in helping to maintain peaceful coexistence between clans, and respect for both the natural environment and mankind, with its complex history and customs.
The story of the Rainbow Serpent, with its emphasis on the preciousness of water to the cycle of life, is very relevant in today’s climate. With rapid climate change impelling us to look closely at the way we relate to each other and to the environment, both now and into the future, this ancient myth is a reminder of our inheritance, our purpose and perhaps even our duty.
Click the image to see the story of the Rainbow Serpent in YouTube.
After you've watched the clip, consider the following questions:
The mythology of the Rainbow Serpent plays an important part in the harmonious coming together of different Aboriginal clans. All of the elements of cultural life played a role in helping to maintain peaceful coexistence between clans, and respect for both the natural environment and mankind, with its complex history and customs.
The story of the Rainbow Serpent, with its emphasis on the preciousness of water to the cycle of life, is very relevant in today’s climate. With rapid climate change impelling us to look closely at the way we relate to each other and to the environment, both now and into the future, this ancient myth is a reminder of our inheritance, our purpose and perhaps even our duty.
Click the image to see the story of the Rainbow Serpent in YouTube.
After you've watched the clip, consider the following questions:
- What is the Rainbow Serpent, and in what ways is it associated with the beginnings of life and death on Earth?
- In what ways might we not show respect to the Rainbow Serpent?
- How does the Rainbow Serpent express its anger when we do not properly show respect to it?
Stolen generation
Click the image to see an introductory clip on the Stolen Generation from YouTube.
More information to come for lesson on Stolen Generation Poetry in Week 4.
More information to come for lesson on Stolen Generation Poetry in Week 4.
WALTZING MATILDA
"Waltzing Matilda" is Australia's most widely known bush ballad. A country folk song, the song has been referred to as "the unofficial national anthem of Australia".
The title is Australian slang for travelling by foot with one's goods (waltzing, derived from the German auf der Walz) in a "Matilda" (bag) slung over one's back. The song narrates the story of an itinerant worker, or "swagman", making a drink of tea at a bush camp and capturing a sheep to eat. When the sheep's owner arrives with three police officers to arrest the worker for the theft, the worker commits suicide by drowning himself in the nearby watering hole, after which his ghost haunts the site.
The original lyrics were written in 1895 by poet and nationalist Banjo Paterson. It was first published as sheet music in 1903. Extensive folklore surrounds the song and the process of its creation, to the extent that the song has its own museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, Queensland. In 2012, to remind Australians of the song's significance, Winton organised the inaugural Waltzing Matilda Day to be held on 6 April, the anniversary of its first performance.
The song was first recorded in 1926 as performed by John Collinson and Russell Callow. In 2008, this recording of "Waltzing Matilda" was added to the "Sounds of Australia Registry" in the National Film and Sound Archive which says that there are more recordings of "Waltzing Matilda" than any other Australian song. The Australian poet Banjo Paterson wrote the words to the song in 1895.
The music was written (based on a folk tune) by Christina Macpherson, who wrote that she "was no musician, but she would do her best." Paterson wrote the piece while staying at the Dagworth Homestead, a bush station in Queensland. While he was there his hosts played him a traditional Celtic folk tune called "The Craigeelee" and Paterson decided that it would be a good piece to set lyrics to, producing them during the rest of his stay.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip of Waltzing Matilda & download the file below to sing along.
The title is Australian slang for travelling by foot with one's goods (waltzing, derived from the German auf der Walz) in a "Matilda" (bag) slung over one's back. The song narrates the story of an itinerant worker, or "swagman", making a drink of tea at a bush camp and capturing a sheep to eat. When the sheep's owner arrives with three police officers to arrest the worker for the theft, the worker commits suicide by drowning himself in the nearby watering hole, after which his ghost haunts the site.
The original lyrics were written in 1895 by poet and nationalist Banjo Paterson. It was first published as sheet music in 1903. Extensive folklore surrounds the song and the process of its creation, to the extent that the song has its own museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, Queensland. In 2012, to remind Australians of the song's significance, Winton organised the inaugural Waltzing Matilda Day to be held on 6 April, the anniversary of its first performance.
The song was first recorded in 1926 as performed by John Collinson and Russell Callow. In 2008, this recording of "Waltzing Matilda" was added to the "Sounds of Australia Registry" in the National Film and Sound Archive which says that there are more recordings of "Waltzing Matilda" than any other Australian song. The Australian poet Banjo Paterson wrote the words to the song in 1895.
The music was written (based on a folk tune) by Christina Macpherson, who wrote that she "was no musician, but she would do her best." Paterson wrote the piece while staying at the Dagworth Homestead, a bush station in Queensland. While he was there his hosts played him a traditional Celtic folk tune called "The Craigeelee" and Paterson decided that it would be a good piece to set lyrics to, producing them during the rest of his stay.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip of Waltzing Matilda & download the file below to sing along.
waltzing_matilda.pdf | |
File Size: | 143 kb |
File Type: |
HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES - JOHN WILLIAMSON
Give Me a Home Among the Gumtrees (or Home Among the Gumtrees) is a popular Australian song written in 1974 by Wally Johnson and Bob Brown (aka Captain Rock).
In 1982, the bush band Bullamakanka reputedly found a copy of the Captain Rock album in a music shop sale bin (although this story is not confirmed by all members of the band). They recorded a cover version of Gumtrees, which then became a hit.
The song was later recorded by popular Australian country music singer-songwriter John Williamson, thus increasing its popularity (many mistakenly believe Williamson to be the original composer). Bullamakanka made some changes to the lyrics, which were also retained in Williamson's recording. These tended to water down the original tongue-in-cheek nature of the song.
Bullamakanka's version was later used as the theme song for a popular gardening and lifestyle television program called Burke's Backyard, which ran on Australian television for 17 years.
The song has become one of the most frequently recorded Australian compositions of all time and is a standard in Australian folk music.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip with John Williamson singing & download the file below to sing along with him.
In 1982, the bush band Bullamakanka reputedly found a copy of the Captain Rock album in a music shop sale bin (although this story is not confirmed by all members of the band). They recorded a cover version of Gumtrees, which then became a hit.
The song was later recorded by popular Australian country music singer-songwriter John Williamson, thus increasing its popularity (many mistakenly believe Williamson to be the original composer). Bullamakanka made some changes to the lyrics, which were also retained in Williamson's recording. These tended to water down the original tongue-in-cheek nature of the song.
Bullamakanka's version was later used as the theme song for a popular gardening and lifestyle television program called Burke's Backyard, which ran on Australian television for 17 years.
The song has become one of the most frequently recorded Australian compositions of all time and is a standard in Australian folk music.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip with John Williamson singing & download the file below to sing along with him.
home_among_the_gum_trees_worksheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 193 kb |
File Type: |
I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE AUSTRALIAN
I am Australian (or We are Australian) is a popular Australian song written in 1987 by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers.
Its lyrics are filled with many historic and cultural references, such as to the 'digger', Albert Namatjira and Ned Kelly, among others.
Its popularity has allowed it to join the ranks of other patriotic songs considered as alternatives to the Australian National Anthem – Advance Australia Fair. It is commonly taught in primary schools. In 1996 the Salvation Army used the song in TV adverts for its Red Shield Appeal, raising funds to help people needing help.
The song also was released in 1997 by trio Judith Durham (of The Seekers), Russell Hitchcock (from Air Supply) and Yothu Yindi's Mandawuy Yunupingu. EMI Australia released the single and it reached number 17 on the Australian ARIA Charts in June.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip of the song & download the file below to sing along.
Its lyrics are filled with many historic and cultural references, such as to the 'digger', Albert Namatjira and Ned Kelly, among others.
Its popularity has allowed it to join the ranks of other patriotic songs considered as alternatives to the Australian National Anthem – Advance Australia Fair. It is commonly taught in primary schools. In 1996 the Salvation Army used the song in TV adverts for its Red Shield Appeal, raising funds to help people needing help.
The song also was released in 1997 by trio Judith Durham (of The Seekers), Russell Hitchcock (from Air Supply) and Yothu Yindi's Mandawuy Yunupingu. EMI Australia released the single and it reached number 17 on the Australian ARIA Charts in June.
Click the photo watch a YouTube clip of the song & download the file below to sing along.
i_am_you_are_we_are_australia_worksheet.pdf | |
File Size: | 120 kb |
File Type: |
i still call australia home - peter allen
Written and performed by Peter Allen in 1980.
In it, Allen sings of Australian’s living abroad and longing for home. It suggests Australian Patriotism and nostalgia for home.
Click the photo to listen to Peter sing - I still call Australia home.
In it, Allen sings of Australian’s living abroad and longing for home. It suggests Australian Patriotism and nostalgia for home.
Click the photo to listen to Peter sing - I still call Australia home.
what is poetry?
Poetry is language used in a particular way. It can, but does not always involve rhyme, rhythm or metre.
The form, rhythm and word choice for imagery and the creation of pictures with words is important to poetry. The words may form patterns of sound, verse or thought. Poetry can create vivid visual images.
Types of Poems
A narrative poem - a poem that tells a story with an orientation, complication, crisis and resolution.
A lyrical poem - a poem that conveys an experience, ideas, thoughts or feelings about a subject without necessarily having 'something happen'.
The form, rhythm and word choice for imagery and the creation of pictures with words is important to poetry. The words may form patterns of sound, verse or thought. Poetry can create vivid visual images.
Types of Poems
A narrative poem - a poem that tells a story with an orientation, complication, crisis and resolution.
A lyrical poem - a poem that conveys an experience, ideas, thoughts or feelings about a subject without necessarily having 'something happen'.
my country - dorothea mackellar
One of the poems better known by Australians.
It was written by Dorothea at the age of 22 while she was living in England, and missing her home country, Australia.
Click the photo to listen to Dorothea read her poem & download the file below to read along with her.
It was written by Dorothea at the age of 22 while she was living in England, and missing her home country, Australia.
Click the photo to listen to Dorothea read her poem & download the file below to read along with her.
BOARD OF STUDIES - ASSESSMENT RESOURCE CENTRE
Click the image to be redirected to BOS website.