The National Archives of Australia engages students in immersive, skills-based learning programs to uncover the rich and diverse stories told by our collection.

Over 40 million government records capture the events and decisions that have shaped Australian history since Federation. A visit to the National Archives will introduce students to the many voices that echo through our collection, including those of First Nations activists, war veterans, migrants, prime ministers and more.

Child Safety Framework

The National Archives of Australia (National Archives) is committed to meeting the core requirements of the Commonwealth Child Safe Framework (the Framework), and to providing an environment where children are safe.

Programs

The National Archives of Australia is a fantastic cultural resource and an approved alternative Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) destination.

Onsite programs at the National Archives are aligned to the Australian Curriculum (Civics and Citizenship, Humanities and Social Sciences, History, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander History and Culture), suitable for primary and secondary groups and delivered in two exhibitions rich with original objects and digital interactives.

In the Voices / Dhuniai gallery, students can explore the history of the Australian constitution and how it affects them today, including an extensive exploration of the movement towards Constitutional recognition of First Australians. Students will view precious documents not normally on display to the public.

Connections / Mura Gadi enables students to further explore the history of Australia through the National Archives’ collection, learn how to interpret primary sources and understand the relationships between individuals, communities and government.

Five reasons to visit the National Archives with your students:

1. View the original Australian Constitution in our Voices / Dhuniai exhibition.
2. Engage with state-of-the art digital technology in our Connections / Mura Gadi exhibition. Students interact with our massive digital wall to uncover stories behind archival records.
3. Develop source analysis skills. Our presenters encourage students to look at authentic archival records like historians.
4. Uncover diverse voices and perspectives. Students view records created by First Nations activists and learn the stories of migrants impacted by the White Australia policy.
5. Encourage active citizenship. Students think critically about past events and decisions and consider the role they might play in the future of our democracy.

You can also visit us online to choose from thousands of digitised documents and resources for students and teachers.

Learning Resources
Discover primary sources from the National Archives’ collection relating to themes in the Australian Curriculum through our education resources.

Plan your visit

We look forward to welcoming your school to the National Archives.

Program duration: 60 minutes

Availability: Monday to Friday 10 am to 4:30 pm

Group size: Maximum of 45 students per group, with a required ratio of one adult per 15 students.

Location: Kings Avenue, Parkes, just behind Old Parliament House. The entrance and bus parking are located on the Kings Avenue side of the building.

For more information please go to the National Archives’ School Visits page where you can find out about our cancellation policy, safety information and code of behaviour.