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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.

Onsite excursion
A fabric book

Jumping off the page

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
English
Geography

Inspired by our picture book exhibition and multi-sensory resources, students create their own story about the journey of a river.

Imagine_Banner

Imagine ... the Wonder of Picture Books website

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

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

Virtual excursion
Boy uses laptop in gallery

Virtual excursion for your class only

Stage 2
Stage 3
English
History

Arrange an exclusive learning experience for your students.

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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.

Onsite excursion
A fabric book

Jumping off the page

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
English
Geography

Inspired by our picture book exhibition and multi-sensory resources, students create their own story about the journey of a river.

Onsite excursion
Two girls sitting at a table engaged in an art activity

Secrets on the page

Stage 3
Creative Arts

Students develop their visual literacy skills, uncovering the secrets of colour through a close examination of Bronwyn Bancroft’s illustrations.

Onsite excursion
A girl drawing with a green pencil

Connections on the page

Stage 2
Creative Arts
English

Students develop their visual literacy skills through activities that encourage written, artistic, and play-based responses to our picture book...

Onsite excursion
A girl with maracas

What's on the page?

Early Stage 1
Stage 1
English
Music

Inspired by a tour of our picture book exhibition, students will develop their visual literacy skills and engage in music activities.

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.

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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