Education Services Australia (ESA) has partnered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to deliver new curriculum-aligned teaching resources designed to build students’ understanding of global issues and Australia’s role in the world.
The Global Education lesson plans, developed by educators for educators, offer ready-to-use content that supports teaching across Humanities, Science, and Design and Technologies from Years 3–10.
Focusing on themes such as equity, sustainability, and Australia’s international development efforts, the materials aim to help students engage with concepts of global citizenship through everyday classroom learning.
“Now more than ever, students need to understand their world and their place in it,” DFAT said.
“These curriculum-aligned lesson plans for Years 3-10 help students explore what it means to be a solutions-focused global citizen, motivated by values of equity, sustainability, and cooperation. Each module builds knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region and includes a call to action that lets students step into real-life simulations promoting sustainable development and regional partnerships.”
Each topic includes detailed lesson plans, classroom activities, and practical tools that connect global issues to students’ lives. ESA says the resources are intended to save teachers time while providing credible, contemporary content that meets curriculum priorities.
Four sets of resources are now available, with more modules to follow. All lesson plans and supporting materials are free for educators to download now.
Years 3–4: Our Indo-Pacific Community
Curriculum links: Geography, Civics and Citizenship, HASS
Lesson length: Three 60-minute lessons
Students are introduced to their Indo-Pacific community and explore what it means to contribute to a diverse global society. The sequence culminates in the creation of a hypothetical partnership project.
Resources include teacher lesson plans, student worksheets, country fact files and a classroom-ready presentation.
Years 7–8: Environmental Resilience
Curriculum links: Geography, with links to Science
Lesson length: Four 60-minute lessons
Students investigate environmental hazards across the Asia–Pacific and examine how partnerships strengthen climate resilience. Lessons guide students to plan development strategies using contemporary regional examples.
A full suite of worksheets, risk profiles and presentation materials is available.
Years 9–10: Our Global Responsibilities
Curriculum links: Civics and Citizenship, with links to History
Lesson length: Three 60-minute lessons
This module explores Australia’s role at the United Nations, including legal responsibilities and development obligations. Students analyse global issues and consider how nations work cooperatively to build a sustainable future.
Teacher guides, student worksheets and a supporting presentation are provided.
Year 10: Working Together – Gender Equality
Curriculum links: Civics and Citizenship, with links to History and Geography
Lesson length: Five 60-minute lessons
Students examine global sustainable development initiatives and present on the links between gender equality, prosperity and social cohesion. The lessons highlight how partnerships drive progress and promote inclusive futures.
Comprehensive teacher resources, worksheets and a PowerPoint presentation accompany the unit.
