Lesson summary
Through exploring examples of Commonwealth Games theme songs, students will learn where, why, and how music is composed and performed by different countries and cultures. Additionally, students will discuss how music has the power to influence how we feel, act and communicate messages and ideas from across the world.
Learning intentions
Students will:
- explore some of the theme songs of the Commonwealth Games.
Success criteria
Students can:
- discuss how music can change the way we feel
- explain how music can communicate messages and ideas.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- critical thinking
- collaboration
- communication
- cultural understanding
- intercultural understanding
Curriculum Mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description:
Year 3 and 4 Music
- Students learn to explore where, why and how music is composed and/or performed across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts (AC9AMU4E01).
Relevant parts of Year 3 and 4 Music achievement standards: Students describe where, why and/or how music is composed and/or performed across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts.
General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Intercultural Understanding, Literacy
Cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia
Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – the teacher will need to facilitate class discussions and group work.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
Resources Required
- device to show video clips/play songs
- Lyrics of Commonwealth Games Theme Songs Sheet
- Student Worksheet
- What are the Commonwealth Games? Visual Explainer
- whiteboard and whiteboard markers
Additional Info
These resources have been created with the support of the Australian Commonwealth Games Team, via Commonwealth Games Australia.
The Australian Commonwealth Games Team are set to take on the athletes of he world at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games from next year, and together the more than 250 athletes in green and gold aim to be the top nation at the Games in terms of gold and overall medals won, the number of medallists, and the number of sports winning medals.
You can cheer on Australia’s best across the screens of 7 and 7Plus from 23 July 2026.
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