This activity introduces 7 women who served Australia during World War II in auxiliary services. An auxiliary service is a group that supports and provides help to an existing organisation. Women’s auxiliary groups were formed to support the work of the Royal Australian Navy, the Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. In this resource, each of the women’s auxiliary services is represented by one woman who made a significant contribution to the war effort. The actions, contributions and personal qualities of these remarkable women are highlighted through their stories.
Teacher notes
Learning intentions
Stories from the Past is an opportunity for students to engage with a historical event through the individual stories of significant Australians.
This educational resource is intended to be used to highlight the role of women in the Australian defence forces through the auxiliary services during the Second World War.
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- describe experiences of women serving in the auxiliary services during the war
- identify Australian women serving in the auxiliary services during the war
- distinguish between the 7 auxiliary services women served in during the war.
Lesson resources
- Stories from the past: Women who served in the Second World War interactive book.
Teaching ideas
The information is suitable for students in Years 9 and 10 and can be used for learning in a variety of ways in class, at home or is suitable for relief teacher lessons.
Whole-class guided lesson
Use a digital projector to present the book to the class. Students answer the questions independently, or the class answer together.
Group activity
Students complete collaboratively. Assign one story to groups to work through and then report their understanding of the content to the whole class. Alternatively, members of a group read one story each and report their findings to their group.
Independent activities
Students work through the stories and activities independently. Suitable as an extension activity, or for early finishers.
Students can use the individuals and experiences in the book as a springboard to additional research on the experience of women during the Second World War. Students can use the Anzac Portal or Australian War Memorial website to learn more.
Australian Curriculum
Knowledge and understanding
Students learn about the effects of the Second World War, with a particular emphasis on the continuities and changes on the Australian home front, such as the changing roles of women and First Nations Australians, and the use of wartime government controls (AC9HH10K04).
Students investigate the effects of the Second World War on the changing roles of women in Australia during the war (for example, women in the military [WAAAF, AWAS, WRANS], the Women’s Land Army, factory work) contrasted with the continuities of their roles before and after the war (AC9HH10K04).
Teaching sensitivities
Teachers are advised to be sensitive to students' perspectives and emotions while using this resource. When working through the activities, teachers will need to consider their students' religious and cultural beliefs, any experiences of war or conflict, or parents serving in the defence forces. It is the responsibility of teachers to consider whether it is appropriate to use this resource with their students.
