The Cockatoo Wars

Suggested level: Years 2-6

Learning areas: English; Science; Health and Physical Education

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, with connections to Country/Place, Culture and People through community responsibility, conflict, fire and care for an ancient forest. Sustainability, through forest health, fire, cooperation, restoration and collective responsibility for Country.

🧭 Suggested Australian Curriculum V9 content descriptions:
AC9E4LE01: recognise similar storylines, ideas and relationships in different contexts in literary texts by First Nations Australian and other authors
AC9S4U01: explain roles and interactions within a habitat and how food chains represent feeding relationships
AC9HP4P10: investigate and apply behaviours that support health, safety, relationships and wellbeing

These are suggested starting points. Teachers should confirm the selected year-level content descriptions against their local program and student needs.

Learning focus: conflict resolution, bushfire, cooperation, leadership and ecosystems.

Practical lesson sequence

1. Before: Introduce the learning focus and essential vocabulary. Invite prior knowledge without requiring students to disclose personal or family experiences.
2. During and after: Map the causes and effects of the conflict, identify the knowledge and skills different characters contribute, then develop a cooperative emergency-response plan for a fictional habitat.
3. Evidence of learning: A cause-and-effect map and justified teamwork plan.

Curriculum reference: Use the suggested connections to select the most appropriate content descriptions for your year level and local program. See the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.