By Resources for Teaching

10/15/2025 We all know that a great class starts with a ripper of a plan. In the dynamic world of Australian education, especially when tackling the English curriculum, having a solid, adaptable lesson plan for teachers is an absolute game-changer. It's not just a box to tick; it’s your roadmap to a fantastic, engaging learning experience that genuinely connects with your students.

Aligning Your Plan with the Australian Curriculum
The first step in crafting any effective lesson plan for English in Australia is ensuring it’s completely aligned with the national or state curriculum mandates. This framework is our standard, making sure every student, from Darwin to Hobart, is getting the essential knowledge and skills they need.

A high-quality lesson plan template, Australian curriculum compliant, should clearly map out how your learning intentions and success criteria link directly to the relevant content descriptions and achievement standards.
Key Components for English Lesson Planning:

• Curriculum Codes: Clearly state the specific codes (e.g., AC9E6LE02) your lesson addresses. This provides quick context and accountability.
• Learning Intentions: Articulate what students will learn or understand by the end of the lesson. Keep them student-friendly.
• Success Criteria: Define how students will demonstrate that learning. This is your measure of success, and it should be measurable.
• Assessment Strategies: Note how you'll check for understanding, both formatively (during the lesson) and summatively (at the end). Think quick quizzes, exit tickets, or a mini 'Think-Pair-Share'.

1. Start with a Hook: For a lesson plan for English focusing on, say, persuasive writing, kick off with a current, quirky local news story or an ethical dilemma. This immediate relevance grabs the students straight away.
2. Differentiate Naturally: Plan for varied activities that cater to diverse learners. You might have one group analysing complex literary devices while another focuses on identifying basic text structure. Don't call it 'differentiation' to the kids; just call it 'Task A' and 'Task B' make it subtle!
3. Active Voice is Key: Just as you teach students to use active voice in their writing, use it in your teaching! Instead of "The poem will be analysed," say, "Students will analyse the poem's use of metaphor." This keeps the focus on student action and engagement.
4. Time Management is a Must: Allocate realistic time slots for each activity. We all know how easy it is to lose five minutes to a great discussion. Over-plan slightly, so you have a few small, flexible activities (like a quick grammar puzzle) ready if things move faster than expected.