First Day

This work is the first playable prototype for the interactive fiction game First Day. Developed for the History Trust of South Australia by research student Sophia Booij, First Day was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the dismissal of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.

While based on the events of November 11th 1975, First Day is a work of historical fiction and contains fictional events and people to help teach key concepts and understandings. The game aims to explore the complexity and impact of democratic processes in a way that challenges perceptions of Australian civics education as ‘dry’ and ‘boring’.

First Day is a text-based game that provides opportunities for students to practise literacy skills in a fun and engaging setting. Audio tracks are also included to provide greater accessibility for all students.

Check back soon to view the final edition of the game and to access supporting teaching resources.

Year 6 Civics and Citizenship

Knowledge and understanding
AC9HS6K06
The key institutions of Australia’s system of government, how it is based on the Westminster system, and the key values and beliefs of Western democracies

Skills
AC9HS6S02
locate, collect and organise information and data from primary and secondary sources in a range of formats
AC9HS6S04
evaluate primary and secondary sources to determine origin, purpose and perspectives
AC9HS6S05
develop evidence-based conclusions

Year 7 Civics and Citizenship

Knowledge and understanding
AC9HC7K01
the key features of Australia’s system of government, including democracy, the Australian Constitution, responsible government and federalism

Skills
AC9HC7S02
locate, select and organise information, data and ideas from different sources
AC9HC7S03
analyse information, data and ideas about political, legal or civic issues to identify and explain differences in perspectives and potential challenges
AC9HC7S05
create descriptions, explanations and arguments using civics and citizenship knowledge, concepts and terms that reference evidence

Year 8 Civics and Citizenship

Knowledge and understanding
AC9HC8K02
the role of political parties and independent representatives in Australian democracy, including elections and the formation of governments

Skills
AC9HC8S02
locate, select and organise information, data and ideas from different sources
AC9HC8S03
analyse information, data and ideas about political, legal or civic issues to identify and explain differences in perspectives and potential challenges
AC9HC8S05
create descriptions, explanations and arguments using civics and citizenship knowledge, concepts and terms that reference evidence

Year 9 Civics and Citizenship

Knowledge and understanding
AC9HC9K01
the role of the Australian Constitution in providing the basis for Australia’s federal system of government and democratic processes, including institutions, and the process for constitutional change through a referendum

Skills
AC9HC9S02
locate, select and compare information, data and ideas from a range of sources
AC9HC9S03
analyse information, data and ideas about political, legal or civic issues to identify and evaluate differences in perspectives and interpretations
AC9HC9S05
create descriptions, explanations and arguments using civics and citizenship knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate evidence

Year 10 History

Knowledge and understanding
AC9HH10K07
the effects of significant post–Second World War world events, ideas and developments on Australian society
AC9HH10K18
continuities and changes in perspectives, responses, beliefs and values that have influenced the Australian way of life

Skills
AC9HH10S05
analyse cause and effect, and evaluate patterns of continuity and change
AC9HH10S06
compare perspectives in sources and explain how these are influenced by significant events, ideas, locations, beliefs and values
AC9HH10S07
analyse different and contested historical interpretations
AC9HH10S08
create descriptions, explanations and historical arguments, using historical knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge evidence from sources

Coming soon!

This is the first playable protype of First Day. While we work on updating the game and completing our teaching resources we would love to hear from our users. Please click on the link below to answer a short, two question survey to help us improve our game.

Teachers we want your feedback!