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

  • ACARA Version 9.0

    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)
  • Victorian Curriculum 2.0

    Students will:

    • Explain the causes of significant events that shaped the Australian colonies and contributed to Australian Federation (VCHHC086, VCHHK093)
    • Describe the significance of key figures and events that led to Australia’s Federation, including influences on the system of government (VCHHK093)
    • Identify the effects of Federation on different groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants (VCHHC086, VCHHK094, VCHHK096)

     

    Students can:

    • Give examples of key events, individuals, or groups that influenced the journey to Federation (VCHHC087, VCHHK092, VCHHK093)
    • Create a timeline or narrative explaining developments from colonies to nationhood (VCHHC082)
    • Compare perspectives and experiences of democracy and citizenship before and after Federation (VCHHC084, VCHHK094)
  • NSW Curriculum

    Students will:

    • Explain the causes of significant events that shaped the Australian colonies and contributed to Australian Federation (HT3-2, HT3-4)
    • Describe the significance of key figures and events that led to Australia’s Federation, including influences on the system of government (HT3-2)
    • Identify the effects of Federation on different groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants (HT3-3, HT3-4)

     

    Students can:

    • Give examples of key events, individuals, or groups that influenced the journey to Federation (HT3-2, HT3-5)
    • Create a timeline or narrative explaining developments from colonies to nationhood (HT3-5)
    • Compare perspectives and experiences of democracy and citizenship before and after Federation (HT3-3, HT3-4)

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