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Newsflash:

The Library is open over the October long weekend, with reduced hours on Monday 2 October 2023. View the long weekend opening hours here.

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.

A group of children painting, reading and writing

Atlas

Atlas is a FREE junior membership program is for all young people aged 5 to 15 years in New South Wales, and beyond!

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.

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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