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There are currently intermittent issues with the display of images on the old catalogue and Library website. We are working to resolve the issue and apologise for any inconvenience. Please search the new catalogue. 

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Opening hours will change over the Easter period. We're open every day except Good Friday 7 April. Find our Easter opening hours here ›

Secondary schools

Stage 4 to HSC

Secondary schools

Secondary schools

Stage 4 to HSC

Our secondary 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.

Stage 4 and 5 programs cover History, Geography and English and are linked to the NSW Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. For HSC students we have resources to assist them to develop their research skills and gain valuable advice, resources and inspiration.

Drawing of a girl reading a book

Lit Up! Celebrating Children's Literature

A full-day conference for primary and secondary teacher librarians, children’s librarians, teachers and anyone with an interest in children’s literature.

Learning activity
An illustration of a woman and a dog with their backs to each other on a green and black background

Learning about process with Shaun Tan

Stage 4
English

Students will use Shaun Tan’s original sketchbooks, oil sketches and final artworks for the picture book Dog to develop an understanding of the process of illustrating picture books, before creating their own illustration.

Onsite excursion
Three high school students looking at an artefact with a State Library educator

Big ideas on the page

Stage 4
Stage 5
English

Students investigate the value and significance of picture books, developing their visual literacy skills as they explore our picture book exhibition.

Three students sit around a table with notebooks and pens

HSC

Whether you're just starting out or looking for in-depth resources for your HSC year, there's something here for you. 

You'll find information and featured content for each of your subjects; help online and onsite; resources you can use at home, and research guides that bring together resources relevant to particular subjects.

For teachers, there are learning activities, resources and workshops for your HSC program. 

Showing 48 results
Learning activity
An illustration of a woman and a dog with their backs to each other on a green and black background

Learning about process with Shaun Tan

Stage 4
English
Students will use Shaun Tan’s original sketchbooks, oil sketches and final artworks for the picture book Dog to develop an understanding of the process of illustrating picture books, before creating their own illustration.
Learning activity
A red hen in a green landscape

Analysing picture books: Out of the Egg

Stage 4
English
Students respond critically and creatively to Tina Matthew’s picture book, Out of the Egg. Through this close analysis, students explore the role and purpose of picture books in society.
Onsite excursion
Three high school students looking at an artefact with a State Library educator

Big ideas on the page

Stage 4
Stage 5
English

Students investigate the value and significance of picture books, developing their visual literacy skills as they explore our picture book...

Virtual excursion

Gallipoli: in their words

Stage 5
History

Delve into the State Library’s rich World War 1 collection to discover the lived experience of those who served at Gallipoli. 

Learning activity
Two men looking at documents

Aboriginal identities: Sydney elders

Stage 5
Aboriginal Studies
Celebrate the dynamic identities of four Aboriginal Elders from the Sydney Elders exhibition and conduct a case study with Elders from your own community. 
Learning activity

Collaroy case study

Stage 4
Geography
Students will use collection items as sources and investigate the impact of the East Coast Low on the beach at Collaroy and the properties along the foreshore. 
Virtual excursion
Two students looking at exhibition case

History skills: evaluating sources

Stage 4
Stage 5
History

Learn how to think like a historian in this skills-focused virtual excursion.

Onsite excursion
Two high school students looking at a computer screen display inside the Paintings from the Collection gallery

Creative writing adventures

Stage 3
Stage 4
Stage 5
English

For generations writers have visited the State Library in search of inspiration for their work. Come in and discover your own inspiration!

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 

SLNSW HSC HD

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