History and Heritage at the Australian Museum
-
Audience
Secondary school -
Learning stage
Stage 5, Stage 6 -
Learning area
History -
Type
Museum educator-led
© Australian Museum
About the program
This 2-hour excursion is designed for Stage 5 History Elective students studying History, Heritage and Archaeology in NSW schools. Through hands-on activities, source analysis and an immersive escape room experience in the Westpac Long Gallery, students will explore key concepts relating to history, heritage and museums while developing essential historical skills.
Students will investigate the development of museums, historical interpretation, museum ethics and the Australian Museum's work in First Nations history. Working collaboratively, they will analyse historical sources from a range of cultures and examine how museums collect, preserve and interpret the past.
Specially designed for History Elective students, the program combines object-based learning, source analysis, group work and inquiry-based activities to deepen students' understanding of history, heritage, and the role of museums in shaping historical knowledge. These experiences foster critical thinking, evidence-based interpretation and historical inquiry skills.
The program also aligns with the Preliminary Stage 6 Ancient History topic Cultural Heritage and the Role of Museums, with opportunities for students to explore issues relating to cultural property, repatriation and the display of human remains.
The program is facilitated by a museum educator, and teacher, parent and guardian participation is encouraged.
Audience: This program is bookable for Stage 5 and Stage 6 preliminary students.
Cost: $20 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $200 per session.
Duration: 120 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 4, 2026, Terms 1-4 2027
Dates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Times: 10am & 12:15pm
NSW Syllabus
History Elective 7-10 Syllabus (2019)
Stage 5
Students develop knowledge and understanding of history and historical inquiry.
A student:
- applies an understanding of history, heritage, archaeology and the methods of historical inquiry HTE5-1
- examines the ways in which historical meanings can be constructed through a range of media HTE5-2
Students develop skills to undertake the processes of historical inquiry.
A student:
- explains different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the past HTE5-7
- selects and analyses a range of historical sources to locate information relevant to an historical inquiry HTE5-8
This program is applicable to any of the following options:
- Historical reconstructions
- History and the media
- Museum and/or archives studies
Ancient History 11–12 Syllabus (2024)
Investigating ancient history - The nature of ancient history
A student:
- analyses different types of sources for evidence to support an historical account or argument AH-11-05
- explains differing interpretations and representations of the past AH-11-06
- communicates historical understanding, applying historical knowledge, terms and concepts AH-11-07
Any changes to numbers or cancellations must be made in writing by emailing group.bookings@australian.museum before the date for Final Confirmation (14 days prior to your visit).
Final booking numbers must be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled visit.
A tax invoice will be issued prior to your visit based on Final Confirmation details.
A tax invoice based on Final Confirmation details will be issued prior to your visit or session.
Please advise at the time of booking if the tax invoice needs to be issued to a different contact name or email address. NSW Department of Education schools that use the EDConnect payment system should advise this at time of booking and provide a purchase order number if required.
Our payment terms are net 7 days. However, it is the AM’s strong preference that bookings be paid in full prior to the visit.
Adjustments on the day – the AM will adjust the invoice amount and you must pay the difference where:
i) Group numbers increase from Final Confirmation numbers; or
ii) the Group changes to a more expensive booking/ticket.
The adjusted invoice payment terms are net 7 days. To be clear, where numbers are less than Final Confirmation numbers, no deductions or refunds will be given.
For information about your excursion, arrival to the Museum and available facilities, visit our school excursions page.
Related resources
If you are looking for resources to support your upcoming visit, you may want to access the History and Heritage unit of work. In the learning unit, students will explore the significance of museums and cultural heritage to our understanding of history. While there are opportunities to bring students into the Museum, this learning resource can also be used without a visit to our exhibitions.
You may also want to access our Treasures Conversation starters. Conversation starters aim to ignite creative dialogue between students and their teachers. Through freedom of choice, fun questions and quick activities, students are able to investigate specimens and objects through a new lens.
