Civics and Citizenship curriculum develops students’ knowledge of political and legal institutions and explores the nature of citizenship in a pluralistic liberal democracy. Students will develop general skills and capabilities such as an appreciation of diverse perspectives, empathy, collaboration, negotiation, self-awareness and intercultural understanding.
Contemporary issues such as debates over changes to the law, elections and Australian government responses to international events, are a means of linking what students may know from the media to the theory about democratic political and legal institutions and values such as fairness, equality, representation and accountability and citizens’ rights that underpin a democracy.
A focus on contemporary issues also provides a means of developing students’ thinking and critical capacities. These issues provide models of the ways that citizens can actively participate, question and improve democracy.
Through Civics and Citizenship, students explore and develop their understanding and viewpoints about:
• civic identity
• roles in the community
• the rights and responsibilities of citizens
• developing their connections to the school and community
• values which underpin democratic communities such as freedom, equality, responsibility, accountability, respect, tolerance and inclusion
• skills and knowledge in making judgments, forming conclusions and making plans for action
• their sense of school, community and civic engagement and participation.
Information Communication Technologies and Civics and Citizenship
Information Communication Technologies (ICT) are powerful tools that can support student learning. Students can develop and demonstrate their understanding of concepts and content in Civics and Citizenship through using a range of ICT tools. It is also important that students know how to use these ICT efficiently and responsibly, as well as learning how to protect themselves and secure their data.
Details of how ICT can support student learning in Civics and Citizenship is set out in the attached Information Communication Technologies and Civics and Citizenship pdf.
