How to Write a Lesson Plan in Australia: Complete Guide 2026
Master curriculum-aligned lesson planning for NSW Syllabus, Victorian Curriculum 2.0, and ACARA v9.0.
Quick Answer: An Australian lesson plan should include: curriculum outcomes (content descriptions and achievement standards), learning intentions, success criteria, a three-phase lesson structure, differentiation strategies, resources, and assessment. Use your state's curriculum codes (NESA for NSW, VCAA for Victoria, or ACARA nationally) to ensure alignment.
In This Guide:
Step 1: Identify Curriculum Outcomes
Start by selecting the relevant content descriptions and achievement standards from your state curriculum. These outcomes define what students should learn and provide the foundation for your entire lesson.
For NSW Teachers (NESA)
Navigate to the NSW Syllabus and find:
- Outcomes - Broad learning goals (e.g., "MA3-1WM communicates and connects mathematical ideas")
- Content descriptions - Specific knowledge and skills to teach
- Learning progressions - Indicators of student progress
For Victorian Teachers (VCAA)
Access Victorian Curriculum 2.0 to identify:
- Content descriptions - What to teach at each level
- Achievement standards - Expected quality of learning
- Elaborations - Examples and suggestions
For All Australian Teachers (ACARA)
The Australian Curriculum v9.0 provides:
- Content descriptions - Core knowledge and skills
- Achievement standards - Year-level expectations
- General capabilities - Cross-cutting skills to embed
Step 2: Define Learning Intentions & Success Criteria
Learning intentions tell students what they will learn; success criteria tell them how to know they've achieved it.
Writing Effective Learning Intentions
Use the WALT format (We Are Learning To):
- ✅ "We are learning to identify the main idea in informative texts"
- ✅ "We are learning to use multiplication to solve real-world problems"
- ❌ "We are doing page 45 in the textbook" (too task-focused)
Creating Success Criteria
Use the WILF format (What I'm Looking For):
- "I can identify the main idea in at least 3 paragraphs"
- "I can explain my multiplication strategy using mathematical language"
- "I can connect the text to my own experiences"
Tip: writing learning intentions with Bloom's Taxonomy verbs makes the intended level of thinking explicit — "explain" targets Understand, "compare" targets Analyse.
Step 3: Plan the Lesson Structure
Every effective lesson follows a three-phase structure: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
| Phase | Duration | Purpose | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 5-10 min | Engage and activate prior knowledge | Hook, learning intention reveal, KWL chart, discussion |
| Body | 30-40 min | Explicit teaching and practice | I Do, We Do, You Do; guided practice; independent work |
| Conclusion | 5-10 min | Reflect and assess | Exit tickets, sharing, self-assessment, preview next lesson |
Step 4: Incorporate Cross-Curricular Priorities
The Australian Curriculum requires embedding three cross-curricular priorities across all learning areas:
1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Include First Nations perspectives, acknowledge Country, use Indigenous knowledge systems where appropriate.
2. Asia and Australia's Engagement with Asia
Connect content to Asian cultures, histories, and Australia's regional relationships.
3. Sustainability
Embed environmental and social sustainability concepts relevant to the topic.
Not every priority fits every lesson—focus on authentic, meaningful connections rather than forced inclusions.
Step 5: Add Differentiation Strategies
Plan for diverse learners by adjusting content, process, or product:
| Learner Group | Strategy | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Struggling learners | Scaffolding, reduced complexity | Graphic organizers, sentence starters, peer support |
| On-level learners | Standard instruction | Core activities as planned |
| Advanced learners | Extension, complexity | Open-ended challenges, leadership roles, deeper analysis |
| EAL/D students | Language support | Visual aids, word walls, home language connections |
| Students with disability | Adjustments per IEP | Modified tasks, assistive technology, additional time |
For a deeper look at differentiation — including how it relates to NCCD adjustments — see our complete guide to differentiation strategies.
Step 6: Select Resources and Materials
List everything you need before the lesson:
- 📄 Worksheets and handouts
- 💻 Digital tools and websites
- 🎥 Videos and multimedia
- 🧮 Manipulatives and materials
- 📚 Textbooks and reference materials
- ✅ Assessment tools (rubrics, checklists)
Pro tip: MyCurriculumMate automatically generates curriculum-aligned resources including worksheets, slideshows, and assessment rubrics.
Step 7: Plan Assessment
Effective assessment is aligned to curriculum outcomes and occurs throughout the lesson:
Formative Assessment (During Lesson)
- Questioning and discussion
- Observation and anecdotal notes
- Mini whiteboards and quick checks
- Thumbs up/down, traffic lights
Summative Assessment (End of Unit)
- Tests and quizzes
- Projects and portfolios
- Presentations
- Written tasks
Key principle: Assessment tasks should directly measure the curriculum outcomes identified in Step 1.
For a full breakdown of the difference and when to use each, see our complete guide to formative vs summative assessment.
Free Australian Lesson Plan Template
Download or Generate Instantly
MyCurriculumMate generates complete, curriculum-aligned lesson plans in under 60 seconds. Each plan includes:
- ✅ Curriculum codes (NSW, VIC, or ACARA)
- ✅ Learning intentions and success criteria
- ✅ Three-phase lesson structure
- ✅ Differentiation strategies
- ✅ Resource suggestions
- ✅ Assessment ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a lesson plan include in Australia?
An Australian lesson plan should include: curriculum outcomes (ACARA/NESA/VCAA codes), learning intentions, success criteria, lesson phases (introduction, body, conclusion), differentiation strategies, resources, cross-curricular priorities, and assessment methods.
How long should a lesson plan be?
A typical Australian lesson plan covers a 45-60 minute teaching block. The written plan can be 1-2 pages, focusing on key elements rather than scripting every word. Quality and clarity matter more than length.
What is the best lesson plan format for Australian teachers?
The most effective format includes: 1) Curriculum alignment with outcome codes, 2) Learning intentions and success criteria, 3) Three-phase structure, 4) Differentiation notes, 5) Resources list, 6) Assessment strategy. MyCurriculumMate generates this format automatically.
How do I align my lesson plan with ACARA?
Start with the Australian Curriculum website, select your learning area and year level, identify relevant content descriptions, and note the achievement standards. Include the curriculum codes in your plan and ensure activities directly address these outcomes.
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