The purpose of the Bushfire Education webpages is to provide teaching and learning resources to support bushfire education for primary and secondary schools (Year 1 to Year 8). Based on four themes, the aim of the Bushfire Education webpages is to better prepare all young Australians for the challenges of living in a country that regularly experiences bushfires.
The 'Responding to bushfires' theme explores the nature of the danger that bushfires pose and the recommended strategies for staying safe when bushfires threaten.
The theme is explored through individual sessions that:
- link each particular session to the relevant curriculum area
- set out specific learning intentions
- list suggested resources to support its teaching and learning
- sequence the learning activities as 'starting', 'exploring', 'bringing it all together' and 'extending'.
All bushfire education teaching and learning activities have been aligned to the relevant areas of the Victorian Curriculum F–10.
Curriculum areas
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- English
- Personal and Social Capability
Responding to bushfires
This section explores the theme of 'Responding to bushfires' and is designed to support the learning needs of students in Years 1 to 3. It is aligned to Victorian Curriculum Levels 1 and 2.
Students learn what to do in a fire emergency, and when and how to make a Triple Zero (000) emergency call.
Learning what to do in a fire emergency
Learning intention: Through exploring a scenario in which children call emergency Triple Zero to report a fire, students come to appreciate the correct way to report an emergency. They will be guided to think about and identify the action taken by the characters to alert '000' (Triple Zero) and stay safe.
Reporting an emergency to Triple Zero (000)
Learning intention: Students come to understand the seriousness of calling Triple Zero (000). They will understand the process of making an emergency call, including how to articulate and speak clearly and answer questions thoroughly to ensure the call is completed successfully.
Other Levels 1 and 2 themes
Curriculum areas
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- English
- History
- Personal and Social Capability
Responding to bushfires
This section explores the theme of 'Responding to bushfires' and is designed to support the learning needs of students in Years 4 to 6. It is aligned to Victorian Curriculum Levels 5 and 6.
Students learn what to do in a fire emergency, and when and how to make a Triple Zero (000) emergency call. Students also look at the history of firefighting, including present-day approaches.
Reporting an emergency to Triple Zero (000)
Learning intention: Students learn how to call for adult assistance in a bushfire situation by phoning Triple Zero (000) and responding to the operator's questions.
Fighting bushfires
Learning intention: Students look at historical and modern ways bushfires are fought. They also consider the safety equipment used in the modern approach to fighting bushfires.
Other Levels 5 and 6 themes
Curriculum areas
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- English
- Health and Physical Education
- Science
Responding to bushfires
This section explores the theme of 'Responding to bushfires' and is designed to support the learning needs of students in Years 7 to 8 but can be adjusted to teach Years 9 and 10. It is aligned to Victorian Curriculum Levels 7 and 8.
Students learn how to realistically prepare for a bushfire. They explore the science behind bushfires and apply this knowledge to identify ways of managing risks. Students also learn what to do in a bushfire emergency, including when and how to make a Triple Zero emergency call, and the role of the media to assist them to stay aware, informed and safe in bushfire emergencies.
Facing reality
Learning intention: Students learn that by having a well-practised bushfire survival plan well before bushfire season, people can respond effectively and flexibly in a bushfire situation and increase their chances of staying safe.
Communicating about bushfire emergencies
Learning intention: Understanding the Fire Danger Ratings and their safety message is essential. Students should know the aspects of a Triple Zero (000) emergency services call, and how to use other communications and media to stay aware, informed and safe in bushfire emergencies.
Safe behaviours
Learning intention: By understanding the key risks and the science of bushfires, there are many things people can do to make themselves safer in a bushfire or high fire-risk situation. Radiant heat is a killer. Establishing distance, taking appropriate shelter, wearing suitable clothing and drinking fluids can help protect the body from the harmful effects of radiant heat.
Defending the home
Learning intention: Students learn that by being fully prepared in bushfire season, even if your bushfire survival plan is to leave early, can help save lives. This is especially important if you need to change plans as a result of new circumstances.
Other Levels 7 and 8 themes
View
bushfire education resources to support teaching and learning activities on this site.
Please note: There is potential for discomfort or distress among some students when talking, viewing and reading about bushfires. Teachers should preview, adapt and manage the teaching and learning activities and resources with respect to the particular needs and backgrounds of their students.
Information about where schools can access a range of student support services can be found on the Department of Education and Training's
Student Support Services webpages.