New Stage 3 Geography

Every child to learn about bush fire or other hazards

In 2016, the NSW Department of Education introduced the study of bush fire into the syllabus for all Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6) students. The syllabus states that students must study a contemporary bush fire event. They are also encouraged to use an inquiry-based approach to learning.

In response the NSW RFS has built the innovative Project Firestorm website to support the Department of Education's Project Firestorm Unit Plan.

Project Firestorm is an innovative unit of work which aligns with the NSW Syllabus for Stage 3 Students.

Project Firestorm is an integrated study which addresses science and technology, mathematics, and geography outcomes.

Students:

• develop an understanding of the management of environments and how people influence the places in which they live
• focus on the bushfire threat in their local area while being challenged to generate solutions for preparation, survival and recovery from a catastrophic bushfire event.

Students apply collaborative design and production skills with the additional interactive platform developed by the NSW Rural Fire Service, becoming valued change agents for a contemporary, authentic problem.

The teacher-led Project Firestorm unit of work addresses the following student learning outcomes through an integrated approach to learning.

The Teacher Guide, updated in late 2023, maps out the syllabus outcomes.