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Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority

Civics and Citizenship

  1. Introduction
  2. Curriculum
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  1. 3-4
  2. 5-6

Levels 3 and 4

Levels 3 and 4 Description

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...

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Levels 3 and 4 Content Descriptions

Government and Democracy

  1. Identify features of government and law and describe key democratic values (VCCCG001)
    Elaborations
    1. listing the key features of government
    2. creating a concept map of democratic values using examples
  2. Identify how and why decisions are made democratically in communities (VCCCG002)
    Elaborations
    1. making a decision as a whole class by allowing everyone to have a say and a vote
    2. conducting role plays which allow for equal presentation of viewpoints about a citizenship topic
  3. Explain the roles of local government and some familiar services provided at the local level (VCCCG003)
    Elaborations
    1. investigating what local government does, including the services it provides such as libraries, health, environment and waste, parks, pools and sport, arts, and pet management
    2. describing how local government services may affect the lives of students
    3. using online sources to identify local government services

Laws and Citizens

  1. Explain how and why people make rules (VCCCL004)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying how some rules can protect the rights of others, for example rules in the classroom
    2. identifying who has the authority to make rules, for example at school or in a sporting club
    3. investigating and explaining cultural norms behind some rule making, such as removing shoes before entering places of cultural significance
  2. Distinguish between rules and laws and discuss why rules and laws are important (VCCCL005)
    Elaborations
    1. distinguishing between ‘laws’ (for example speeding in school zones) and ‘rules’ (for example sun safety in the school)
    2. explaining the purpose of laws and recognising that laws apply to everyone in society
    3. discussing examples of laws and why they are important to students’ lives

Levels 3 and 4 Achievement Standard

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.

Levels 5 and 6

Levels 5 and 6 Description

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...

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Levels 5 and 6 Content Descriptions

Government and Democracy

  1. Discuss the values, principles and institutions that underpin Australia’s democratic forms of government and explain how this system is influenced by the Westminster system (VCCCG008)
    Elaborations
    1. explaining the role of the monarchy and its representatives in Australia including the Governor-General, and the parliaments and courts in Australia's system of government
    2. discussing the meaning and importance of the values and principles of Australian democracy such as freedom, representation, majority rule, equality, fairness and justice
  2. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government, including shared roles and responsibilities within Australia's federal system (VCCCG009)
    Elaborations
    1. clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government (local, state/territory and federal)
    2. identifying instances where there may be multiple levels of government involved, for example in relation to the environment such as management of the Murray-Darling river system
  3. Identify and discuss the key features of the Australian electoral process (VCCCG010)
    Elaborations
    1. exploring the secret ballot and compulsory voting as key features of Australia’s democracy
    2. recognising the role of the Australian Electoral Commission in administering elections that are open, free and fair
    3. clarifying who has the right to vote and stand for election in Australia
    4. discussing the democratic ideas behind preferential voting and proportional representation
    5. explain the process of voting and democratic ideas behind voting though conducting a class survey and using preferential voting to determine an outcome
  4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia's democracy (VCCCG011)
    Elaborations
    1. considering the responsibilities of electors, such as enrolling to vote, being informed and voting responsibly
    2. identifying the characteristics that would make for a 'good' representative at the local, state/territory or national level

Laws and Citizens

  1. Explain how state/territory and federal laws are initiated and passed through parliament (VCCCL012)
    Elaborations
    1. discussing where ideas for new laws can come from, for example in response to a community concern
    2. investigating the stages of the passage of a bill
    3. observing an Australian parliament in session, in situ or virtually
  2. Explain how and why laws are enforced and describe the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in law enforcement, and in the legal system (VCCCL013)
    Elaborations
    1. identifying different types of laws in our community and explaining who enforces them (road laws – police; health laws – public health department; pollution laws – environmental protection officer)
    2. investigating how laws protect human rights, for example sex, disability, race and age discrimination law
    3. identifying and researching the different people associated with law enforcement (such as quarantine and customs officials, and police) and the legal system (such as judges and lawyers)

Levels 5 and 6 Achievement Standard

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.

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