Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

About the VWMA Schools Program

In partnership with the South Australian Department for Education, Virtual War Memorial Australia (VWMA) supports teaching and learning in Australian Curriculum: History (Years 9–10) and Civics and Citizenship (Year 10).

VWMA resources and programs also support a wide range of SACE subjects, including Activating Identities and Futures, Aboriginal Studies, Community Studies, Cross-Disciplinary Studies, Society and Culture, and Women’s Studies.

Teaching Resources for the Classroom

VWMA provides high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources that support inquiry-based learning and historical research skills.

Teachers and students can access:

- Detailed information on Australia’s involvement in conflicts from the Boer War to Afghanistan
- Background on battles, campaigns and military units
- An interactive timeline to support chronological understanding of war and peacekeeping
- A growing collection of teacher resources aligned to Years 9 and 10 curriculum requirements

New resources are added regularly. Teachers are also invited to share classroom materials they have developed—contributions are acknowledged.

Professional Learning and Teacher Support

VWMA offers:

- Professional Learning workshops
- Professional networking opportunities

Visit Professional Learning to view upcoming sessions, or contact the Schools Program Manager to discuss your school’s needs.

VWMA’s Mission — and Your Students’ Role

The mission of VWMA is to provide a worthy home, in perpetuity, for the records and personal experiences of all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and to document the impact of this service on individuals, families and communities.

The Serviceperson Biography Task

Year 9 and 10 students are invited to contribute to this national record by researching a WW1 or WW2 serviceperson and writing a biography that is added to the individual’s VWMA profile.

This authentic research task:

- Can be formally assessed (rubric provided) or used to complement a broader unit of work
- Builds historical inquiry, literacy and citizenship skills
- Allows students to make a meaningful public contribution

Outstanding student work is recognised through the VWMA Excellence Awards.

VWMA provides teacher training and ongoing classroom support to schools undertaking the Serviceperson Biography Task.

Additional Opportunities

VWMA also promotes and supports the South Australian Premier’s ANZAC Spirit School Prize, including guidance for schools entering student work.

Get Involved

- Explore classroom materials via the Resources for Teachers page
- Watch the short teacher and student testimonial video (5 minutes)
- Register your class or request support by emailing [email protected]

Follow VWMA socials – Instagram, Facebook

The Schools Program offered to South Australian Schools is proudly supported by a grant provided by the Government of South Australia, Department for Education.