HTAV Projects Levels 9-10


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‘Diggers, retreads and wheelbarrows’: An interactive digital experience of Victorian enlistment during World War II

Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria.

The History Teachers' Association of Victoria would like to thank the Department of Veterans' Affairs for providing the funding for this project through the Saluting Their Service grant program which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Commonwealth has not participated in the research, production or exercised editorial control over the Activity or its contents. The views expressed and conclusions reached herein do not necessarily represent those of the Commonwealth, which expressly disclaims any responsibility for the content or accuracy of the Activity.


An interactive digital education resource on how and why Victorians chose to enlist in World War II. Included within the interactive resource are a broad range of primary sources, contextual information to support student understanding, and two student activities:

  • Motivations for enlistment – a series of activities about the enlistees which will allow students to explore the Drill Hall and all the information contained within.
  • Research Task – designed to be completed in pairs, this is an extension activity which allows students to explore the Australian War Memorial and National Archives of Australia through the lens of World War Two enlistment.

Teacher Notes
These Teacher Notes can be used in conjunction with the ‘Motivations for Enlistment’ student activity which draws on the videos and other sources within the interactive digital experience.



'We'll Never Get Off The Island': Prisoner of War Experiences in Changi, Singapore, and Tatura, Victoria


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria. This project was made possible through the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II Grant Program facilitated by the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Veterans Branch) Victoria.

A PDF education resource on the Prisoner of War (POW) experiences of Australians captured during World War II and held at Changi, Singapore, and POW from opposing forces (Germany, Italy, and Japan) held at Tatura in regional Victoria.

STUDENT POWERPOINT (to be used in conjunction with the PDF resource available here)
A student-facing PowerPoint with interactive activities to accompany the 'We'll Never Get Off The Island': Prisoner of War Experiences in Changi, Singapore, and Tatura, Victoria education resource.



Chinese Anzacs


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Chinese Museum and the Victorian Collections (originally Culture Victoria).

Chinese Anzacs tells the story of the over two hundred Australians of Chinese descent who enlisted in World War I. In fact, one hundred and seven of these were from Victoria. Their story is often overlooked in the greater narratives of World War I, now their stories can be read about in Chinese Anzacs.

Their experiences during and after the war were the subject of the Chinese Anzacs exhibition at the Chinese Museum in 2014. You can access an online version of this exhibition plus videos through the Chinese Anzacs Story on Victorian Collections.



Against the Odds: The Victory Over Conscription in World War I


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for the Medical Association for Prevention of War.

The Against The Odds Education Resource provides a stimulating range of activities for students undertaking the compulsory Victorian History Curriculum Level 9/10 unit Australia at war (1914 – 1945). It helps students reflect on the complexities of the conscription debate through a range of analytical, creative and research tasks.



After Armistice: The Long and Short-term Effects of World War 1


This resource was developed by the History Teachers' Association of Victoria with the support of the Armistice Centenary Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs.


After Armistice: The Long and Short-term Effects of World War 1 explores the immediate and lingering impacts of war on Australia. Comprising detailed historical information, primary sources and suggested inquiry tasks it is a useful teaching resource for World War One.



Black Mist Burnt Country


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for the Black Mist Burnt Country national touring exhibition (Burrinja Cultural Centre).

A free downloadable ebook on the secret British atomic tests conducted on Australian soil in the 1950s. The education resource contains artwork by Indigenous and Non-Indigenous artists reflecting on the impact of atomic warfare in Australia and Japan. Included are analysis tasks suitable for individual or group work.



Days in Conflict Series


Teaching resources produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for the ABC



The Enduring Effects of War


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for the Medical Association for Prevention of War and Act for Peace.

A series of detailed lesson plans about the long and short-term consequences of both historical and contemporary wars. Access ready-to-use activities, tasks and a series of video interviews with medical practitioners discussing the impact of weapons. Special features include an interview with celebrity gardener Peter Cundall discussing his experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II and Vietnam veteran Phil White OAM discussing the long-term effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.



The History in Place Project


Produced by Culture Victoria, the Heritage Council of Victoria and the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria.

History in Place is a film-making project for students visiting museums or heritage sites. It can also be adapted for use with primary sources in the classroom. The toolkit includes an instructional documentary, PowerPoint, storyboard worksheet, assessment rubric, excursion forms and examples of student work. This resource is suitable for upper primary and all secondary school students.



The Songs They Sang


Produced by the History Teachers’ Association of Victoria for The Songs They Sang.

An education kit on the music sung by the inhabitants of the Vilna Ghetto during World War II.
The Songs They Sang documentary and music can be purchased to complement the education kit.


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