What was life like for leaders arriving with the First Fleet in 1788?
Arthur Phillip’s story
Arthur Phillip was a British naval officer chosen to lead the First Fleet to Australia in 1788. He arrived at Sydney Cove and became the first Governor of the new colony of New South Wales.
Arthur Phillip’s role was to help establish a settlement in an unfamiliar place, far from Britain. He was responsible for organising food and shelter, managing relationships between different groups, and making important decisions about how the colony would grow in its early years.
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This is a short excerpt from Arthur Phillip’s full classroom profile, available as part of the First Fleet Teaching Pack — or try a free mini lesson below.
Profile snapshot:
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Name: Arthur Phillip
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Role: Captain of the First Fleet and first Governor of New South Wales
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Country / Place: Sydney Cove, New South Wales colony
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Time period: Late 1700s
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Known for: Leading the First Fleet and establishing the first British settlement in Australia
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Why they matter: His leadership shaped the early structure, rules, and direction of the colony
Free mini lesson
Download a free mini lesson with sample historical profiles and a classroom comparison activity.
Compare Arthur Phillip’s experiences with other people who travelled to Australia on the First Fleet.
Mini lesson includes:
✔ Colourful and engaging sample profiles for four children
✔ Guided discussion prompts
✔ A classroom comparison activity
✔ Student drawing and writing tasks
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