{Year 12 Russia and the Soviet Union}: The Leadership Struggle

This 8-page resource consists of twelve historical sources on the leadership struggle including varying perspectives from historians such as Pipes and Volkogonov. The resource encourages students to explore the reasons for Stalin's success in the leadership struggle and the significance of the struggle. Students are provided with a series of questions akin to the questions which appeared in both Unit 3 and Unit 4 source sets in the 2016 WACE exam.
This teaching resource is designed to be printed as an A3 booklet and can be used in a Flipped Classroom. Students can read their text on the Leadership Struggle at home, make notes and come to class prepared to discuss and debate the issues which arise in the carefully selected sources in their booklet. You will find this teaching resource on the Products Page.

 

{Year 10}: Rights and Freedoms Inquiry

In this inquiry, students begin by using sources from Storify: Rights and Freedoms to investigate the experiences of Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander peoples before 1965. Students can work in groups to investigate the position of Australia's indigenous peoples through photographs, newspaper articles, videos, interviews and documentaries. It is envisaged that a multi-media approach will foster a deep understanding of the inequalities experienced. Students and teachers can access Storify here.
This 16-page resource comes in the form of a work book which students can use to record their notes. There are many reliable sources of information online which student will find useful. For example, in 2007, Ryebuck Media (Studies of Society and Environment Issue 2/2007) published a fantastic article 'Investigating the Changing Rights and Freedoms of Indigenous Australians 1957-1975.' You will find this resource here.
'Rights and Freedoms' also includes an extension activity which encourages students to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have a story to tell. Engaging students in an oral history task will also encourage students to value the oral tradition. Students are then encouraged to be creative with the presentation of their findings. This task aims to foster reconciliation. You will find this resource on the 'Products' page.

 

{Review}: Investigating Rights and Freedoms

Teachers will find this resource a perfect fit for introducing the US civil rights movement in Year 10. It was created by PBS History Detectives. The documentary 'Woolworth Sign' by Tukufu Zuberi about desegregation sit-ins in North Carolina will spark student interest in the topic. You will be able to access the full episode here.
'Lunch Counter Closed', a teaching resource, complements the documentary. The key question posed is: "What strategies did the Civil Rights Movement employ in its efforts to end segregation? Were they effective? How so?"
Covering 2-3 lessons, students begin by watching the clip Desegregating the Lunch Counters (there will be some overlap with the documentary). With the aid of graphic organisers, students investigate primary sources with the aim of writing a newspaper article from a particular perspective. Students are provided with a 'Newspaper Article Planner' which provides them with direction and encourages critical thinking. Teachers are provided with excellent discussion questions to develop a deep understanding of the issues surrounding the sit-ins. Other resources included in this 'package' include:

 

 

{Year 10 Civics and Citizenship}: China Today

The new Year 10 Civics and Citizenship course begins with a comparative study between Australia and a nation in Asia. The content descriptor reads: "The key features and values of Australia’s system of government compared with ONE other system of government in the Asia region." 
China Today is a 14-page resource that begins by prompting students to 'take' a snapshot of China's geographical location, economy and population. As students work through the resource, they will gain a sophisticated understanding of China's political system and of her political values. This resource promotes inquiry-based learning and visible thinking principles. Therefore, there are a number of challenging ideas and activities for students to investigate and work through. We would like to thank Dr. Jie Chen for his time and expertise in reviewing this resource.
It is envisaged that China Today will provide all the information necessary for students to make evaluative conclusions in their comparative study of Australia and China. Purchase your copy here and print class sets for your students.

NB: The Rule of Law Institute of Australia provide excellent posters and infographics to teachers for free! Contact the Education Coordinator here.

 

{Russia and the Soviet Union}: Source Study Set 2

Source Study Set Two is based on the force of international relations. The Modern History ATAR paper was written strictly according the design brief set by SCSA and is accompanied by a marking key. It therefore consists of four sources including a cartoon, a poster and two written sources. The questions mirror those provided to teachers in the Sample paper. This set will provide your students with a valuable practice session prior to either the Mock Examinations or the final ATAR Examination. Download your printable copy here!