Lesson Plan: Whites Only Policy in Australia
Duration
30 Minutes
Subject
History
Year Level
Year 10
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical context of the Whites Only Policy in Australia.
- Identify the implications of this policy on Indigenous Australians and non-white immigrants.
- Discuss the societal impact of the policy on Australian identity and multiculturalism.
Materials Needed
- Presentation slides
- Handouts with key dates and events
- Whiteboard and markers
- Articles or excerpts from relevant texts (e.g., "The Stolen Generations")
- Access to audiovisual resources (videos/documentaries)
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Hook: Begin the class with a thought-provoking question: "What does it mean to belong to a country?"
- Briefly introduce the topic of the Whites Only Policy in Australia, highlighting its significance in shaping the nation's immigration laws and social dynamics.
Historical Context (10 Minutes)
- Presentation Slide 1: Define the Whites Only Policy. Explain that it was a series of laws and practices that aimed to maintain a white, Eurocentric identity in Australia.
- Presentation Slide 2: Discuss key events leading up to the policy’s formation, including the Federation in 1901 and the introduction of the Immigration Restriction Act 1901.
- Presentation Slide 3: Highlight the impact of the policy on Indigenous Australians and how it perpetuated segregation and discrimination.
Group Activity (10 Minutes)
- Instructions: Divide students into small groups and provide each group with handouts containing key events and figures related to the Whites Only Policy.
- Each group will discuss the implications of the policy from different perspectives:
- Indigenous Australians
- Non-white immigrants
- Government officials
- Groups will then present their findings briefly to the class.
Discussion and Reflection (5 Minutes)
- Facilitate a class discussion based on the group presentations. Encourage students to share their thoughts on how the Whites Only Policy influenced Australian identity and welcoming attitudes towards multiculturalism.
- Reflective Question: "How do you think Australia has changed since the end of the Whites Only Policy? What remains a challenge today?"
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Summarise key points discussed in the lesson.
- Assign a brief reflective task for the students: Write a paragraph on how the legacy of the Whites Only Policy can still be seen in contemporary Australia.
- Provide further reading resources for those interested in the topic, including documentaries and articles.
Assessment
- Informal assessment through group presentations during the activity.
- Evaluate students' reflective paragraphs to gauge understanding and personal engagement with the topic.
Follow-up Activities
- Plan a visit to a local museum or cultural centre that focuses on Indigenous history and the effects of the Whites Only Policy.
- Encourage students to research more about immigration policies in Australia post-World War II and their impacts on modern Australian society.
This lesson plan adheres to the Australian Curriculum standards for History, promoting understanding of historical events and their ongoing relevance in contemporary society.