The Journey to Federation

From Colonies to Commonwealth

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What’s Inside This Lesson

This lesson helps students explore how Australia’s separate British colonies came together to form one nation. They’ll examine the key reasons, people, and events that led to Federation in 1901.

Lesson Outcomes

  • Students will:
    • Understand the reasons for and against the Australian colonies federating (AC9HS6K04)
    • Identify the key people and events involved in the Federation process (AC9HS6K04)
    • Recognise the roles of different groups, including women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, in the lead-up to Federation (AC9HS6K04, AC9HH7K02)
  • Students can:
    • Give examples of the challenges and benefits of the colonies becoming a Commonwealth (AC9HS6K04, AC9HC5K02)
    • Create a representation (like a poster or short speech) that shows an important part of the Federation story (AC9HH7K02)
    • Give examples of how Federation changed Australia (AC9HS6K04, AC9HC7K01)

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