Australian Cross-Curriculum Priorities

The Australian Curriculum identifies three cross-curriculum priorities that give students the tools and language to engage with and better understand their world at a range of levels. These are:

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
2. Sustainability
3. Australia’s Relationship with Asia

Here are APT’s suggestions for plays that address those priorities. Teachers are advised to read the plays to ascertain suitability for students and their learning context.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Australian Plays Transform believes that the recognition of the ancient sovereignty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is necessary for a full expression of Australia’s nationhood. We believe that it is critical that full opportunities be created for all people to encounter, engage with and be transformed by that story. We support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural resurgence and self-determination as part of the shaping of our national narrative, and as an example to the world.

The following scripts are offered to teachers and students as one way to explore aspects of the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including important historic and contemporary issues. It is the beginning of a series of scripts APT is bringing together to support this curriculum priority in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander playwrights

Many of the plays have been written for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers and teachers are strongly encouraged to consider the exploration of these scripts in conjunction with State/Territory based protocols and frameworks for teaching this priority.

Years 8-10

Years 9-10

Years 10+

Sustainability

Sustainability education is futures-oriented and aims to equip students to create a more ecologically and socially just world.

Australian plays are a rich resource to explore these issues and deepen students’ understanding of sustainability across several learning areas, including English, Drama, and Humanities & Social Sciences.

We have a full Sustainability Collection with detailed curriculum connections, resources, interviews, and more! Check it out below.

Primary

APT suggests these plays. There are overviews, quotes from the author, and suggested resources available on the Sustainability Collection page.

Years 7-9

APT suggests these plays. There are overviews, quotes from the author, and suggested resources available on the Sustainability Collection page.

Years 10-12

APT suggests these plays. There are overviews, quotes from the author, and suggested resources available on the Sustainability Collection page.

Tertiary

APT suggests these plays. There are overviews, quotes from the author, and suggested resources available on the Sustainability Collection page.

Australia’s Relationship with Asia

The Australian Curriculum states, “The Arts, students can examine art forms that have arisen from the rich and diverse belief systems and traditions of the Asia region. They can reflect on the intrinsic value of these artworks and artists’ practices as well as their place and value within broader social, cultural, historical and political contexts”. The perspectives and stories of the characters in these plays are diverse including culture and language. Casting is an important consideration.

Years 4-8

Years 9-10

Year 10

Tertiary