
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Schools Program
Schools Program App
Offers children an opportunity to play and learn through two play-based learning games – “Rescue Rangers” and “Westpac Little Ripper”.
Digital Lessons
In the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Schools Program’s much loved digital lessons, manage your budget to buy rescue tools. The ACARA adapted levels are tailored for Foundation to Year 7.
Fundraising Task

Money, Money and Purchases

Maths, Money and Coins

School Programs
You will find all Schools Program resources, created specifically for primary schools here.
Shapes of the Month - Mathematics (Calendar)
Shapes of the Month - Mathematics
Rescue Time - Humanities & Social Sciences
Maps, Maps, Maps! - Geography
Environmental Characteristics - Design & Technology
What will happen if...? - Science
Different Environments - Science
Comprehension test - English
Telling the Time - Mathematics
Maths, Coins & Money - Mathematics
Act Out a Rescue Mission - Health & Physical Education
Keeping Safe - Heath & Physical Education
Mission Manoevers - Mathematics
Australia on the Map - Geography
Landing Zone - Geography
It's Alive - Science
A Helmet Fit for a Hero - Design and Technology
Communication Methods - English
Comprehension Test - English
The Radio Alphabet - English
Safety = Prepared - English
Maps Galore! - Mathematics
Maths, Money and Purchases - Mathematics
Safety First - Health & Physical Education
On a Rescue Mission - Heath & Physical Education
The Wonders of Light - Science
Natural Disasters & Their Impact - Geography
Design Your Own Helicopter - Design and Technology
Fundraising Task - Mathematics
Helicopter Measurements - Mathematics
Flying Time - Mathematics
Narrative of a Rescue Mission - English
Comprehension Test - English
Story Time - English
Developing Character Roles - Health & Physical Education
The Crew
Meet the Crew - The Pilot, Air Crew Officer and Rescue Crew Officer. Oh, and of course the helicopters!
6 min 25 secs
The Base
Take a tour of the Base and learn what the Crew do when they aren't out on a mission.
3 min 58 secs
The Mission
Learn about the procedures involved in making sure each rescue is the most successful it can be.
5 min 09 secs
The Service
Uncover interesting facts about the Service and get to see more of the great missions that the Crew carry out.
5 min 59 secs
A Day in the Life of... (Part 1)
Join Kiki and Rescue Crew Officer, Legge as they take us around the Base to discover more about the Service and its great people.
4 min 43 secs
A Day in the Life of... (Part 2)
Kiki learns about the equipment the Rescue Crew require on an average day and on special rescues, plus she looks around an actual helicopter.
4 min 20 secs
Preparation = Safety
Preparation and communication are essential to a successful rescue. Learn more about what this means to the WLRHS.
5 min 30 secs
Getting There Fast
All the action and drama that a real life rescue involves. Our Crew friends carry out two incredible rescues at sea and on land.
4 min 44 secs
Join the Crew
Today it’s your turn to be part of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Crew! Learn as the team takes you through the rescue process step by step. Look out for class question time!
4 min 50 secs
My Rescue Story
Behind every rescue is a special story. Go behind the scenes with the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service and hear three incredible rescue stories from brave survivors.
6 secs 58 min
Rescues Around Australia
The Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter Service is trained to work in all sorts of environments, including the bush, sea and even the snow! Discover how the crews tackle the diverse Australian terrains during rescue situations.
5 min 07 secs
FAQs
About the Schools Program
The program was created by Westpac, in conjunction with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Bases, Surf Life Saving Australia and an independent education agency.
No it is not compulsory. However, it is recommended that you take part in order to educate your students, teachers and parents about the Service and its role in the community. Not only is the program made up of 50 ACARA curriculum aligned lesson plans and resources, it also delves into the significance of students supporting their community through volunteering, fundraising and looking out for one another.
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Schools Program has been created with flexibility for teachers and students in mind. It is recommended that you complete the whole program to achieve the intended education outcomes but the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Schools Program has also been created with flexibility in mind for teachers and students. Download from 50 ACARA curriculum aligned lesson plans and from there its about implementing the program into your school as you see fit. From a few lessons in junior years, through to whole school, themed learning weeks!
The Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Schools Program has been created in accordance with the ACARA Australia Curriculum Standards. To ensure the program is age appropriate, curriculum aligned and that all materials are suitable for primary aged children, education materials specialists have also reviewed the content. As such, all lesson plans are deemed suitable for use in the classroom.
Westpac has been the Naming Rights Sponsor of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service since 1973 in Sydney. Our support has allowed the Service to grow from just one helicopter to a national fleet of 17 helicopters flying from 13 bases and 2 boats, one in VIC and NT. It is one of Australia's longest and most valued community partnerships.
How to implement the program
Not much at all, just follow the teacher's guidance as they would any other lesson.
The program does not expire, but it is recommended that you complete it as soon as possible to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information. If the program is completed within the fourth term (as intended) you could be chosen to receive a potential visit from the helicopter and crew of your local Base.
We have done our best to supply each school with a range of resources that match the number of children at your school. Unfortunately, at this stage all resources have been exhausted. However, an online portal featuring all materials for free download is accessible to all schools. If you require a login, please email rescuehelicopterschools@maverick.com.au.
Yes we would be happy for you to do so. You can access the proposed newsletter content on the Lesson Plans & Resources tab of the website. If you would like further information about the program please contact them on the email above or feel free to email rescuehelicopterschools@maverick.com.au.
You will find copies of the video episodes and all other resources on the online portal. If you require a login to this free portal, please email rescuehelicopterschools@maverick.com.au and we will provide you with the relevant details needed to access this site.