Australia: The Story of Us - Episode 4 (ATOM Study Guide)

Australia: The Story of Us is an extraordinary narrative about the people, places and events that have shaped the continent, from the first inhabitants to the present day. This groundbreaking drama-documentary series weaves together stories of the nation's origins and offers fresh insights into how Australians came to create the homeland we inhabit today.

Alongside astounding CGI and cinematic sequences, the series features interviews with important thinkers, notable celebrities and national figures who take us inside the stories that have influenced Australian history.

The series can be viewed as a whole or as individual episodes, or even individual segments within episodes. It can be used as a series of creative starting points for students to start their exploration of aspects of Australian history and the people who made it.

Episode 4: 'New Nation at War'

Our newly minted nation throws itself into a global conflict, the outcome of which will decide Australia's fate. More than 400,000 fight – one in seven will never come home; 150,000 will return broken in body or mind. From the trenches come invention and audacity. Frank Murdoch's daring letter will save thousands of lives – if he can bypass British Intelligence. The Australian submarine AE2 changes the course of the Gallipoli campaign. Nurse Alicia Kelly helps transform emergency medicine terrifyingly close to the front line. To protect his mates, sniper Billy Sing allows himself to become the target. General Pompey Elliot helps reinvent trench warfare. The trauma of war leaves its mark but a new Australian spirit is born.

Curriculum Relevance

Australia: The Story of Us is a suitable resource for students in Years 5–9 in studies of Australian History, English and Film Studies.