Primary Catalogue

International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8 – but why is this day important? What does the day signify? This Miniclip explores the origins of women’s suffrage throughout Australia’s modern history including the granting of voting rights for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and the first women in parliamentary roles. It also discusses damaging stereotypes for both girls and boys, the presence of gender inequality that still exists today, and how to celebrate the women in your own life. Show Less

Your students have probably seen the Australian flag flying in all sorts of places – but what is the history of the Australian flag, and why is it such an important symbol? This Miniclip explores the history of Australia’s Federation and looks at the creation and symbolism of the Australian National Flag. Students will also learn about flag flying protocols observed and what it means when the flag is flown as half-mast. Show Less

Students will take a trip back in time as this Miniclip examines the origins of Australia Day and the tensions associated with it. It explores the role of Captain James Cook and Captain Arthur Phillip in Britain's discovery of Australia, and how the raising of the British flag marked the beginning of Australia's colonisation. It also explains why some people don't celebrate the 26th January and introduces various other names for the day including Invasion Day, Day of Mourning, and Survival Day. Show Less

The gold rush began just over 60 years after Europeans arrived to Australia, but how did this decade transform the cultural, political, environmental, and economic threads of the nation? Ronan takes viewers through the construction of ‘10-mile towns’ which lead to the expansion of settlements throughout the country, the new wealth experienced in communities, as well as changes made to the natural landscape and the impacts on Indigenous connection to land and use of resources. Also explained is the birth of multiculturalism – including how the racism experienced at the goldfields enabled the White Australia Policy, as well as the birth of democracy in our parliament as a result of the Eureka Stockade. Show Less

The democracy all Australians enjoy today began at the goldfields… but how? Ronan guides students through the events that led up to the Eureka Stockade at Bakery Hill in Ballarat. Students will discover that the government’s greed and expensive miner’s license fee led to outrage from the diggers, and the unfortunate death of James Scobie at the Eureka Hotel followed by the acquittal of James Bentley led to growing tension on the goldfields. Discover how Peter Lalor and the Ballarat diggers led a 20-minute battle that shaped Australia’s political system and gave a voice to the people in colonies through parliamentary elections. Show Less

How did the Australian gold rush begin in 1851? Who kicked it off? Where did it occur, and why is gold so valuable? Join Ronan, an Irish digger come to try his hand at striking rich, as he explores the beginning of gold fever in Australia including the role of Edward Hargraves, the countries from which hopeful miners rushed, and the various roles played by Aboriginal Australians during the period. Students will also learn about the locations that put gold on the Australian map including Ballarat and Bendigo, as well as the catalysts that acted as drivers of diggers out of their homes and onto the shores of Australia such as Ireland’s famine. Show Less

Life on the goldfields wasn’t as easy as some thought when they arrived off the boats to begin their luck at gold mining! Join Irish digger Ronan as he explains just what life was like for those in the fields – including the ‘canvas towns’ and the inability of colonies to accommodate such a huge influx of migrants, as well as monotonous food and sweeping illnesses. This episode also looks at what a ‘claim’ is, the role of women in the goldfields, the various jobs that were available, and the widespread racism against the Chinese diggers both by the diggers and the government. Show Less

Students read, sing and learn about key dates, events, and figures associated with the discovery of gold in Australia, as well as some of the hardships and frustrations experienced by gold diggers and their families. This curriculum-aligned song targets outcomes of curriculum documents and supports and integrates classroom learning across key subject areas. Show Less

Students read, sing and learn about the comparisons and sequences of events and stages in one’s life from past to present. This curriculum-aligned song targets outcomes of curriculum documents and supports and integrates classroom learning across key subject areas. Show Less

Easter is usually full of chocolates and bunnies – but what are the origins of this celebration? And why is it considered the most important celebration in the Christian religion? And how did chocolate eggs end up being so popular? This Miniclip explores the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the symbolism of eggs in relation to Jesus’ burial tomb, and why Holy Week’s events are so significant. Show Less

Diwali is known as the celebration of lights and the triumph of good over evil – but what is the origin of this colourful Hindu celebration? Who are Rama, Sita, King Dashratha, Hanuman, and the ten-headed demon King Ravana? Why are homes cleaned, illuminated with diyas, and windows opened to welcome the goddess Lakshmi? This Miniclip tells the story of Ramayana, introduces some of the most popular traditions involved in this celebration such as rangoli, and explains how the festival occurs during the holiest month on the Hindu calendar – Kartik. Show Less

Islam is the second largest religion in the world – but what exactly is involved in commemorating the holy month of Ramadan? What role did Muhammed play in the beginning of Islam? What is the purpose of observing Ramadan? And what does fasting actually include? This Miniclip provides an overview of how the Qur’an came into existence, explains the purpose of observing Ramadan, introduces the role of suhoor and iftar in Ramadan, and Eid—the fabulous celebration that marks the end of the month. Also included are a few helpful Arabic phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Chinese New Year is full of fireworks, the colour red, and delicious food – but how did this celebration begin? Who is Nian and how does Chinese New Year prevent him from terrorising villages once more? What are some traditions observed during the celebration? And what is the significance behind the colour red? This Miniclip tells the story of how this event began, includes the significance of red envelopes, includes some popular traditions like the reunion feast, and provides some simple phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Hanukkah is known as the celebration of lights in the Jewish faith – but how did it begin? Who is Antiochus and what did the Maccabees do to defeat him? What is the symbolism of the menorah and how is it different to the hanukkiah? Find out all this and more in this Miniclip, which introduces the religion of Judaism, tells the story of the miracle of the oil, explains how latkes and jam donuts celebrate this miracle in delicious ways, and provides some Hebrew phrases to help you celebrate this time of year as a community! Show Less

Christmas is a hugely popular and fun celebration – but how did it begin? What happened on the day we now know as Christmas Day? And what are some traditions observed during the month of December? This Miniclip will take you back to the birth of Jesus Christ, introduce the role of the angel Gabriel, the importance of the celebration for Christians around the world, and explain some of the symbols that are prominent during the "holiday season". Show Less

Each year at 11am on November 11 we remember those who died in World War I, and commemorate those who represent Australia in conflicts past and present. This Miniclip provides a simplified context for the beginning of the Great War, the signing of the Armistice, the effect of the war on people, and the importance of commemorating it each year. Students will also discover the significance of the red poppy, who the ANZACs were, and the role of cenotaphs in local communities. Show Less

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration full of fun and festivities. But what exactly is the purpose of NAIDOC Week? And what is the history behind it? This Miniclip explores the events that led up to the formation of NAIDOC, how the Day of Mourning transformed from a protest march to a celebration, and how NAIDOC Week recognises the contributions of Indigenous Australians! This is a fantastic resource to introduce your young students to the historical and cultural importance of celebrating NAIDOC Week in the Australian community. Show Less

Harmony Day is a wonderful celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity, held every year on March 21. This Miniclip provides your students with an overview of the purpose of Harmony Day, what happens on the day, and how everyone can support it by wearing orange and treating each other with respect. This is a fantastic resource to prepare for your school’s Harmony Day festivities, and to remind your students to celebrate the diversity in your classroom and beyond. Show Less

You wouldn’t catch a plane to get to school, nor would you ride your bicycle to get to your tropical island holiday! So what makes a mode of transport suitable? Why do we use certain modes for certain activities? And how has transport changed over time? In this animated Miniclip, discover how technology has helped us to travel further and faster; and see how land, air and water transports have enabled us to connect with the rest of the world. Show Less

The last century has seen communication change rapidly due to developments in technology. Today, we can connect to each other faster than ever before and share our ideas in the blink of an eye! This Miniclip looks at how communication has changed over time, how technology has brought us closer together, as well as the different methods of communication available to us today. Why do we use them? How do they allow us to communicate? Find out in this fun, animated Miniclip! Show Less

Families come in all shapes and sizes! You might come from a nuclear family or an extended family, you may have same-sex parents, or you may be adopted. Whichever type of family you come from, family structures and roles have no doubt diversified throughout history. In this Miniclip, see a wide range of family structures and sizes, and look at how family roles have changed in the last 50 years. Show Less

This short clip provides an overview of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, including the symbolism of the shapes and colours used in each. This clip is complementary to the 'Australian Celebrations and Commemorations: National Sorry Day' Miniclip. Show Less

One of Australia’s biggest failures in history is rooted in the significant mistreatment of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. This Miniclip uses European settlement and the Stolen Generation to highlight this issue, and discusses the purpose of National Sorry Day. This clip also provides an overview of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. Show Less

Discover why we commemorate Anzac Day, who the ANZACs were, and the important symbols and emblems of the day in this Miniclip. The significance of flowers, a brief history of Gallipoli and the role of flags are all highlighted in this clip, providing your students with a fantastic introduction into one of our most important days. Show Less

The ancient world - from 60,000 BCE to 650 CE – is the period in which early civilisations emerged. This programme provides an introductory snapshot of eight of these civilisations, looking at what they had in common and how they were unique. We trace the rise, fall and legacy of the ancient societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Maya, India, China, Rome, Greece and Persia. Show Less