Civics and Citizenship Level 3 (Years 3 and 4)
Learning focus
As students work towards the achievement of Level 3 standards in Civics and Citizenship, they build on their understanding of Australian society and investigate some of the different cultural groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) communities, that make up the Australian community. They learn about the contributions that people from diverse groups have made to many aspects of the Australian way of life. This includes contributions to the arts, industry, medicine and science, as well as to other aspects of their life including food, festivals and sporting events. They explore the ways that Australians are connected to other regional and global communities.
Students learn about some key events which contributed to the development of the Australian nation. They explore symbols and celebrations of Australia’s and Victoria’s past and present; for example, the Australian national flag, the ATSI flags, the Victorian flag, coats of arms, floral emblems, colours, flower, animal and bird emblems, the national anthem, Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday. They consider the meaning and values that are reflected in these celebrations and symbols. They consider what they value about Australia.
Students explore how and why people make decisions and identify places where people come together to discuss issues and make decisions. They know that voting is a key method for group decision making in a democracy. Students learn about the purpose of government and some familiar services provided by government, particularly at the local level such as pre-schools, libraries, recreational facilities and waste and recycling collections. They look at the roles of some leaders and representatives such as prime minister, premier and mayor.
Students learn about the different types of groups in the community and their functions; for example, school groups and local volunteer groups such as charitable and environmental organisations. From their research, they develop knowledge about their community and environment, and a sense that individuals’ contributions can care for and improve the environment, their own lives and the lives of others.
They explore the differences between rules and laws, why we have them, what role they serve, and how they can be changed. They contribute to the development and support of classroom rules. They develop an understanding of the qualities of good laws, the importance of laws applying equally to everyone in a democracy, and the ways that laws are made.
Students engage in democratic processes to plan and carry out activities and events at the school or in the local community. They participate in community, school- and/or home-based projects designed to protect and care for the natural and built environment and promote the sustainable management of resources that they use; for example, by reducing, reusing and recycling paper and plastics, reducing use of fossil fuel by walking or cycling to school, reducing water consumption, and contributing to community events.
National Statements of Learning
This learning focus statement, with the following elaborations and in conjunction with the Level 3 learning focus statements for Interpersonal Development, Communication and The Humanities, incorporates the Year 3 National Statement of Learning for Civics and Citizenship.
Elaborations:
They explore the ways that Australians are connected to other regional and global communities.
Students explore how and why people make decisions and identify places where people come together to discuss issues and make decisions. They know that voting is a key method for group decision making in a democracy.
Standards
Civic knowledge and understanding
At Level 3, students demonstrate understanding of the contribution of people from the many culturally diverse groups that make up the Australian community. They sequence and describe some key events in Australia’s democratic history. They describe symbols and emblems of national life in Australia and identify values related to symbols and national celebrations and commemorations. They describe the purpose of government, some familiar government services and the roles of some leaders and representatives. They explain the difference between rules and laws and describe the qualities of a good law. They explain why protection and care for the natural and built environment is important.
Community engagement
At Level 3, students contribute to the development and support of class rules and participate in school celebrations and commemorations of important events. They describe some of the roles and purposes of groups in the community. They work with other students to identify a local issue and plan possible actions to achieve a desired outcome. They describe the benefits of action at the local level and the democratic aspects of the process. They participate in activities to protect and care for the natural and built environment.
Downloads
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Civics and Citizenship booklet (
PDF - 123KB) - Civics and Citizenship standards table (Doc - 40KB)
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Victorian Essential Learning Standards Level 3 ( PDF - 649KB)
