The Level 3 and 4 curriculum introduces students to democracy in the context of the familiar and personal as well as the purpose of local government and the services it provides to the community...
The Level 3 and 4 curriculum introduces students to democracy in the context of the familiar and personal as well as the purpose of local government and the services it provides to the community. It explores an understanding of democracy as rule by the people through learning about decision making within communities. Students consider the purpose of creating rules for groups and how rules and laws affect them. Students also explore how individuals participate in their community, cultural diversity and how belonging to different groups can shape personal identity.
Key questions
How are decisions made democratically?
How can local government contribute to community life?
Why do we make rules and laws and why are they important?
How has my identity been shaped by the groups to which I belong?
By the end of Level 4, students explain how decisions can be made democratically and the role of local government. They recognise the importance of rules and distinguish between rules and laws. They describe how people participate in their community as active citizens and factors that shape a person’s identity and sense of belonging.
The Level 5 and 6 curriculum introduces students to the key values of Australia’s liberal democratic system of government and the key institutions of Australia’s democratic government...
The Level 5 and 6 curriculum introduces students to the key values of Australia’s liberal democratic system of government and the key institutions of Australia’s democratic government, including state/territory and federal parliaments, and the court system. Students learn about representative democracy and voting processes in Australia. Students expand on their knowledge of the law by studying how laws affect the lives of citizens as well as how state/territory and federal laws are made in a parliamentary system. Students investigate the role of groups in our community and examine the rights and responsibilities of Australian citizens. They explore the obligations that people may have as global citizens.
Key questions
What is democracy in Australia and why is voting in a democracy important?
What are the roles and responsibilities of the different levels of government in Australia?
How are laws developed and enforced in Australia?
How and why do people participate in groups to achieve shared goals?
What does it mean to be an Australian citizen?
By the end of Level 6, students identify the values that underpin Australia’s democracy and explain the importance of the electoral process. They describe the purpose of key institutions and levels of government in Australia’s democracy. They explain the role of different people in Australia’s legal system and the role of parliaments in creating law. They identify various ways people can participate effectively in groups to achieve shared goals. Students explain what it means to be an Australian citizen and how people can participate as global citizens. They analyse contemporary issues and use evidence to support a point of view about civics and citizenship issues. They identify possible solutions to an issue as part of a plan for action.
The Levels 7 and 8 curriculum provides a study of the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia’s democracy. They explore the responsibilities and...
The Levels 7 and 8 curriculum provides a study of the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia’s democracy. They explore the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how citizens can participate in Australia’s democracy. They look at how the rights of individuals are protected through the justice system, how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also explore how Australia’s secular system of government supports a diverse society with shared values. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity.
Key questions
How is Australia’s system of democratic government shaped by the Constitution?
What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Australia’s democracy?
What principles of justice help to protect the individual’s rights to justice in Australia’s system of law?
How are laws made and applied in Australia?
How is Australia a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society?
What different perspectives are there about national identity?
By the end of Level 8, students explain features of Australia’s system of government, and the purpose of the Constitution in Australia’s representative democracy. They analyse features of Australian democracy, and explain features that enable active participation. They explain how Australia’s legal system is based on the principle of justice, and describe the types of law and how laws are made. Students identify the importance of shared values, explain different points of view and explain the diverse nature of Australian society. They analyse issues about national identity in Australia and the factors that contribute to people’s sense of belonging. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens, and take action, in different contexts.
The Level 9 and 10 curriculum builds students’ understanding of Australia’s political system and how it enables change. Students examine the ways political parties, interest groups, media and individuals...
The Level 9 and 10 curriculum builds students’ understanding of Australia’s political system and how it enables change. Students examine the ways political parties, interest groups, media and individuals influence government and decision-making processes. They compare Australia’s system of government with another system of government in the Asian region. Students examine Australia’s roles and responsibilities within the international context, such as its involvement with the United Nations. They investigate the features and principles of Australia’s court system, including its role in applying and interpreting Australian law. Students also study the purpose and work of the High Court. Students also examine global connectedness and how this is shaping contemporary Australian society. They investigate the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained.
Key questions
A framework for developing students’ civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:
What influences shape the operation of Australia's political system?
How does Australia's court system work in support of a democratic and just society?
How is Australia’s democracy defined and shaped by the global context?
How do citizens participate in an interconnected world?
How are government policies shaped by Australia’s international legal obligations?
What are the features of a resilient democracy?
Content Descriptions
By the end of Level 10, students evaluate features of Australia’s political system, and identify and analyse the influences on people’s electoral choices. They compare and evaluate the key features and values of systems of government, and analyse Australia’s global roles and responsibilities. They analyse the role of the High Court and explain how Australia’s international legal obligations influence law and government policy. They explain the key principles of Australia’s system of justice and analyse the role of Australia’s court system. They analyse a range of factors that influence identities and attitudes to diversity. Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies and analyse ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts, taking into account multiple perspectives and ambiguities.
