Year 5 History curriculum teacher support resources – ‘The Pinjarra Massacre: Truth-telling’

Contact

Adriana Douglas
Adriana.Douglas@scsa.wa.edu.au

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (the Authority) has developed teacher support resources for the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS): History Year 5 curriculum, ‘The Pinjarra Massacre: Truth-telling. An apology on October 28, 2025 to the Bindjareb Noongar people by His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of Western Australia’ (The Pinjarra Massacre: Truth‑telling resources). A resource for the History Year 9 curriculum was also prepared.

In February, the Authority established a Reference Group to guide the development and culturally responsive implementation of Year 5 History teacher support resources. The resources include a teaching and learning exemplar with eight lessons for the mandated HASS curriculum using primary sources for truth-telling through the lens of Governor Dawson’s apology for the Pinjarra Massacre.

The resources cover Country and people, the effects of colonisation, The Pinjarra Massacre, and truth-telling and remembrance. The lessons support students to critically examine different perspectives and understand how perspectives change over time, in a culturally sensitive and age-appropriate manner.

The Pinjarra Massacre: Truth‑telling resources are available as curriculum support materials on the Authority website at https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/wa-curriculum/learning-areas/humanities-and-social-sciences/p-10-hass-teaching. Videos, with transcripts, provided by Government House are included.

In Term 3, the Authority will work with the school systems/sector to develop and deliver professional learning that supports teachers to use the Year 5 teaching and learning exemplars.

The professional learning will focus on addressing this Western Australian history content, including colonisation and the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre, with an emphasis on historical accuracy, cultural respect and trauma‑informed practice.

Further details, including dates and delivery modes, will be confirmed in Term 3 and will be communicated in upcoming Circulars.

The Authority extends its thanks to everyone involved in the development of these teacher support resources. The Authority thanks the traditional owners and Elders who have shared their knowledge with the Reference Group formed to provide advice on the development of these teacher support resources. Beyond the Reference Group, the Authority thanks other individuals who have provided feedback.

The Authority thanks His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of Western Australia and Mrs Darrilyn Dawson and their team at Government House.

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