The VCAA has published the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0. To view the curriculum, familiarisation resources and support material, go to the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 website.
Go to the VCAA website to explore the timeline for familiarisation and implementation of the Victorian Curriculum Version 2.0 (including upcoming dates for curriculum areas still being reviewed) and register for professional learning webinars.
Civics and Citizenship is essential in enabling students to become active and informed citizens who participate in and sustain Australia’s democracy. Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students investigate political and legal systems, and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity and identity in contemporary society. They gain the knowledge and skills necessary to question, understand and contribute to the world in which they live.
The Civics and Citizenship curriculum recognises that Australia is a secular democratic nation with a multicultural and multi-faith society, and promotes the development of inclusivity by developing students’ understanding of broader values such as respect, civility, equity, justice and responsibility. It acknowledges the experiences and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their identities within contemporary Australia. While the curriculum strongly focuses on the Australian context, students also reflect on Australia’s position, and obligations, and the role of the citizen today within an interconnected global world.
In studying civics and citizenship students will develop knowledge and understanding of Australia's representative democracy and the key institutions, processes, and roles people play in Australia’s political and legal systems. Emphasis is placed on Australia's federal system of government, derived from the Westminster system, and the liberal democratic values that underpin it such as freedom, equality and the rule of law. The curriculum explores how the people, as citizens, choose their governments, how the system safeguards democracy by vesting people with civic rights and responsibilities, how laws and the legal system protect people’s rights and how individuals and groups can influence civic life.
By investigating contemporary issues and events students learn to value their belonging in a diverse and dynamic society, develop points of view and positively contribute locally, nationally, regionally and globally. As reflective, active and informed decision-makers, students will be well placed to contribute to an evolving and healthy democracy that fosters the wellbeing of Australia as a democratic nation.
Civics and Citizenship aims to ensure students develop:
