Fire Ed 1 (Stage 1 - Years 1 and 2)

Fire Ed 1 (Stage 1) is a fire safety education program for students in Years 1 and 2, delivered by classroom teachers with the support of local firefighters. The program is mapped to the Stage 1 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) syllabus, with Science and Technology and cross-curricular content.

At a glance

  • Stage: Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
  • Curriculum: PDHPE Stage 1; Science and Technology; cross-curricular content
  • Format: 4 teacher-delivered lessons + 1 firefighter session
  • Duration: 5 weeks (one lesson per week)
  • Cost: Free
  • Delivered by: Classroom teachers, with a visit from local FRNSW firefighters in Week 5

FRNSW school programs were developed in consultation with the NSW Department of Education, and have been reviewed and supported by the department to ensure the best learning outcomes for participating students. The programs take a strengths-based, age-appropriate approach to fire safety education.

What students learn

Students will learn:

  • how to identify fire hazards and make them safe
  • how to stay safe in a fire
  • about bushfires and campfires, and
  • about match/lighter safety.

Curriculum alignment

Fire Ed 1 supports teachers to address Stage 1 outcomes of the NSW PDHPE K–10 Syllabus and the Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus. The firefighter session is embedded within teacher-delivered lessons before and after the visit, consistent with NSW Department of Education guidance on best-practice delivery of programs involving external providers.

Syllabus and outcomes addressed:

  • PD1-2: Recognises and describes strategies people can use to feel comfortable, resilient, and safe in situations.
  • PD1-6: Understands contextual factors that influence themselves and others’ health, safety, wellbeing, and participation in physical activity.
  • PD1-7: Explores actions that help make home and school healthy, safe, and physically active spaces.
  • PD1-9: Demonstrates self-management skills in taking responsibility for their own actions.
  • ST1-1WS-S: Observes, questions, and collects data to communicate and compare ideas.
  • ST1-8PW-S: Describes common forms of energy and explores some characteristics.

Teaching resources

Everything teachers need to deliver Fire Ed 1 is available to download below.

Supplementary resources

These supplementary resources were kindly provided by our friends at the Western Australia Department of Fire and Emergency Services (WA DFES).

Lesson Five: Firefighter Session (video)

This video is an alternative to the firefighter visit and should only be used when a visit from local firefighters cannot be facilitated at your school or centre. A face-to-face visit is always preferred.

How to run the program

To ensure this evidence-based program is implemented correctly and consistently, planning and delivery must follow these steps.

  1. Request the program. Complete the Program Request Form. A fire station will contact you to confirm. Make sure to book the firefighter session for Week 5 of the program. Bookings for the face-to-face firefighter visit must be made at least 5 weeks in advance.
  2. Conduct the pre-test assessment one week before commencing the program.
  3. Deliver the lessons — one per week:
    • Week 1: Lesson One
    • Week 2: Lesson Two
    • Week 3: Lesson Three
    • Week 4: Lesson Four
    • Week 5: Firefighter Session
  4. Conduct the post-test assessments immediately after program completion, and again two months later.
  5. Complete the feedback form to help us evaluate and improve the program.

Supporting students with diverse learning needs

Additional resources are available to help children with diverse learning needs. See Diverse Learning Needs.

Questions and further resources

Contact the Community Risk Reduction Unit on (02) 9742 7400 or at crr@fire.nsw.gov.au, or speak to your local fire station.

Games, videos and activities for students on Brigade Kids.