Primary schools

From Early Stage 1 to 3

Primary schools

Primary schools

Early Stage 1 to Stage 3

Our primary learning programs are designed to connect students and teachers to the extraordinary collections held by the State Library. They can be enjoyed onsite, online and across NSW.

All learning experiences are linked to the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum and are designed to inspire curiosity, invite conversation and encourage creative responses.

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Incredibilia

In this immersive theatre experience, extraordinary objects are brought to life using music, song and puppetry!

Drawing of a girl reading a book with books flying in the air

Lit up! Stories behind the stories

A full-day conference for primary and secondary teacher librarians, children’s librarians and teachers.

Learning activity
A family having a picnic in the Rocks with Sydney Habour Bridge in the background

Sydney Harbour Bridge: The past in the present

Stage 1
History

Students explore the Sydney Harbour Bridge through time and reflect on the importance of historic places. 

First Fleet learning activities

This comprehensive unit of work covers the journey of the First Fleet, the early days of the colony, Aboriginal perspectives, and profiles of two little-known convict women. The 13 learning activities provide a one-stop shop for your Stage 2 study of First Contacts.

View the learning activities

Showing 117 results
Onsite excursion
three children holding coloured pencils lying on the floor

Visual literacy in action

Stage 2
Stage 3
Creative Arts
English

Dive into the pages of picture books to uncover the secret world of visual literacy. 

Onsite excursion
Students sitting at a desk

Sydney Harbour Bridge – connecting people

Stage 1
History

Explore the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the reasons why it is an iconic landmark today. 

Virtual excursion
Collage illustration of a cat and two children walking past a dark wall with eyes

Writing spooky stories

Stage 3
English

Be inspired by the State Library’s imposing façade and ornate interior to compose some atmospheric and spooky descriptive writing. Your students...

Virtual excursion
Picture books lying on top of one another

‘Reading’ pictures - visual literacy skills

Stage 2
Stage 3
Creative Arts
English

Your students can already read the words in picture books but can they ‘read’ the pictures? Find out how to decode the mysteries of visual literacy...

Virtual excursion

Danger, drama, action!

Stage 2
Stage 3
English

In this quickfire writing workshop, students develop an adventure story and use writing techniques to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Learning activity
A portrait of a woman wearing a very ruffled bonnet, ruffled blouse and coat.

Esther Abrahams: a life transformed

Stage 2
History
Students learn about the extraordinary life of First Fleet convict Esther Abrahams.
Learning activity

Fighting back

Stage 2
History
Students examine the interactions, including war and resistance, of Aboriginal people with the First Fleet colonists.
Learning activity

Idle hours

Stage 2
History
Students demystify the everyday life, outside of work, of First Fleet convicts.

Learning programs

graphic image of young people painting, writing and drawing
Atlas program

Join Atlas to participate in online clubs for artmaking, writing and reading, as well as special events and activities.  

Visit the Atlas website
incredibilia 500x500 small
Incredibilia

Inspired by children’s author Libby Hathorn, this immersive theatre experience brings to life extraordinary objects using music, song and puppetry!

Visit the Incredibilia website
Imagine_Banner
Imagine. The Wonder of Picture Books

Discover the inspiration and creative process behind the finished product and learn how to ‘look closely’ and uncover the hidden meaning in the illustrations. 

Visit the Imagine website

Onsite excursion: before you visit

Plan your visit

make a booking enquiry

Venue and safety information for school excursion

Bus subsidy program: The Library offers K-12 school students from DET schools in the Greater Sydney region, access to FREE bus travel to visit the Library 

School students | What should I know before I visit?

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