Embracing Change: How Victorian Schools are Integrating Indigenous Histories into the Curriculum

As educators in Victoria prepare for significant changes to the F-10 History curriculum, schools have until early 2026 to integrate a more comprehensive focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. With revisions announced in June, this update is an essential step toward a more inclusive understanding of Australia's past. Teachers are now more encouraged than ever before to include diverse perspectives spanning Deep Time, through colonisation, and the contemporary lived experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

One of the most impactful aspects of the curriculum updates is the integration of Indigenous histories across all year levels. Students will engage with topics such as Deep Time, exploring Australia’s ancient past, as well as Aboriginal peoples’ responses to colonisation. This curriculum shift is transformative and requires teachers to rethink how history is taught and perceived in the classroom.

Engaging students in meaningful conversations about reconciliation and cultural understanding is vital. Encouraging discussions around current issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can help students connect historical narratives to contemporary realities. This approach not only deepens their understanding but also cultivates empathy and a commitment to social justice.

Engaging with Local Indigenous Communities
To successfully implement these changes, teachers are encouraged to collaborate and consult with local Indigenous groups. By engaging directly with Indigenous communities, educators can provide students with firsthand insights into First Nations history. This connection not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a greater appreciation of the richness and complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Teachers are always on the look-out for reliable and reputable resources. We recommend using guides such as those published by Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to evaluate educational resources on Indigenous histories. The History Teachers’ Association of Victoria also provides starter packs and recommended readings. Teachers can also review the Victorian Government’s guidelines on creating culturally safe school environments.

Beyond the welcomed additions of First Nations histories, there are other new and exciting updates to the History curriculum. To support teachers in this transition, here are several practical tips to help prepare for the new curriculum.

1 Integrate Skills with Knowledge
A fundamental approach to teaching history involves integrating historical skills like source analysis, questioning, and critical thinking with factual knowledge. Instead of solely relying on memorisation, teachers can empower students to become active historians. After introducing a historical period or topic, for example, educators can guide students to work with primary sources, encouraging them to "piece together" what life was like during that time. This investigative process makes history dynamic and engaging, transforming students into active participants in their learning.

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) offers unique opportunities for experiential learning through simulated archaeological excavations at sites such as Como House in South Yarra and Barwon Grange in Geelong. We also offer trained archaeologists to visit schools. These activities allow students to explore Australia’s Deep Time record through a STEAM lens, fostering creative problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking.

2 Make History Fun and Hands-On
Engagement is key to effective learning and hands-on, place-based activities provide immersive experiences that captivate students. At the National Trust, we facilitate various interactive programs, such as mock trials in the Former Magistrates Court and reenactments of servant roles at Barwon Grange, Como House and Rippon Lea. These activities not only bring history to life but also encourage students to explore the entertainment and technology of the 1800s, comparing it to their own lives. By reenacting historical jobs, tasks or forms of entertainment, students can relate to their predecessors’ experiences, fostering empathy and understanding of the struggles that continue to resonate today. This connection fosters curiosity and prompts deeper questions about the past.

3 Stories Beyond Words
Objects and places can convey powerful stories that words alone cannot express. Visiting heritage sites like Polly Woodside allows students to grasp the challenges of life aboard a 19th-century tall ship, while Wurundjeri facilitators share the cultural significance of the Birrarung (Yarra River). At McCrae Homestead, students can learn about the intersecting experiences of the McCrae family and the Bunurong community during the 1840s. These encounters illuminate historical narratives and deepen students’ understanding of the relationships between people and place.

4 Relatable History
To enhance engagement, students should be encouraged to draw parallels between the past and present. Before or after visiting sites like Pentridge Prison or Old Melbourne Gaol, educators can lead discussions comparing historical and contemporary politics, prison life, crime and punishment. If you’re not sure where to start, Teacher Resource Packs provided on confirmation of your excursion can guide you.

5 Embrace Uncertainty
It’s essential to model curiosity in the classroom by acknowledging that historians do not have all the answers. Encouraging students to ask questions and explore potential answers fosters a culture of inquiry. Educators should not hesitate to admit when they are unsure, illustrating that learning is a lifelong journey and that historical interpretation can evolve as new evidence emerges. During visits to historical sites, supporting students in questioning how interpretations and storytelling have changed over time can lead to rich discussions about the complexities of history.

The forthcoming changes to the Victorian History curriculum represent an exciting opportunity for educators to deepen students' understanding of Australia’s diverse historical landscape. By integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories into the curriculum, teachers can help foster an inclusive environment that honours the perspectives and contributions of First Nations communities.

To support teachers in this transition, professional development opportunities will be crucial. Workshops and training sessions can equip educators with the necessary skills and resources to confidently teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories. Consulting with Indigenous educators and historians can also provide valuable insights and strategies for creating culturally responsive lesson plans. By fostering a community of practice among teachers, we can ensure that the implementation of the new curriculum is effective, respectful and reflective of the rich cultural heritage that it aims to represent. This collaborative approach will enhance educators' understanding and enable them to share authentic Indigenous perspectives with their students, enriching the overall learning experience.

Through collaborative engagement with local Indigenous groups, hands-on learning experiences, and a commitment to critical inquiry, educators can equip their students with the tools they need to navigate and appreciate the complexities of history. As we count down to 2026, let’s embrace this transformative journey with enthusiasm and dedication, ensuring that every student gains a richer, more nuanced understanding of Australia’s past.