Civics and Citizenship Level 4 (Years 5 and 6)
Learning focus
As students work towards the achievement of Level 4 standards in Civics and Citizenship, they learn about the origins and establishment of the Australian nation at Federation. They examine the nature of the Australian federal system of governance that developed. They consider the effects of Australian federation on the democratic rights of different groups of people such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people, women and non-British migrants.
Students learn about the three levels of government in Australia and investigate examples of the functions and services of these governments such as currency, defence, education, health, parks and libraries. They examine other features of Australian democracy; for example, the role of government in representing the people, the key tasks of a member of parliament or councillor, how parliament makes laws and the importance of voting. They learn about the values of democracy, and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
They consider the experiences of diverse cultural groups, including ATSI communities, and their contributions to Australian identity. They consider the values important in a multicultural society such as respect and tolerance.
Students learn about the processes of making and changing laws and the role of the courts and police. They consider important principles such as the independence of the judiciary, equality before the law, and the presumption of innocence. They compare Australian legal processes with those of other cultures, such as those of ATSI communities. Students understand that when Australians travel overseas, the laws of other countries apply to them.
Students understand the ways in which Australian citizens are influenced by and can influence local, state, national, regional and global decisions and movements, including issues of sustainability. They investigate the social and political links between Australia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and explore global developments and their potential impact on Australia. They understand that protecting the environment requires that people work together as citizens and consumers and participate in appropriate actions as environmental stewards or in other civic action to effect positive change.
Students research an issue, or issues using a range of resources including electronic media. These could include current local, national and global issues; for example, natural disasters and human rights issues. They consider actual and possible actions by citizens and nations in response to the issue/s.
Students explore ways in which they can actively participate in their school and community. They investigate the qualities of leadership through past and present examples. They are provided with opportunities to participate in school events and experience class and school leadership roles and their responsibilities.
National Statements of Learning
This learning focus statement, with the following elaborations and in conjunction with the Level 4 learning focus statements for Interpersonal Development, Communication, History and Geography, incorporates the Year 5 National Statement of Learning for Civics and Citizenship.
Elaborations:
Students understand that when Australians travel overseas, the laws of other countries apply to them.
Students understand the ways in which Australian citizens are influenced by and can influence local, state, national, regional and global decisions and movements, including issues of sustainability. They investigate the social and political links between Australia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and explore global developments and their potential impact on Australia. They understand that protecting the environment requires that people work together as citizens and consumers and participate in appropriate actions as environmental stewards or in other civic action to effect positive change.
Standards
Civic knowledge and understanding
At Level 4, students describe the nature of Australia’s democracy that developed as a result of Federation. They describe the three levels of government and some of the key functions of each level. They explain the basic elements of Australia’s federal parliamentary system and key democratic principles and values such as freedom of speech and equality before the law. They explain the concept of multiculturalism and describe the contribution of various cultural groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to Australian identity. They demonstrate understanding of the process of making and changing laws.
Community engagement
At Level 4, students demonstrate understanding of the roles and responsibilities of leaders, and of democratic processes, when engaging in school and community activities. They present a point of view on a significant current issue or issues and include recommendations about the actions that individuals and governments can take to resolve issues. They demonstrate understanding that there are different viewpoints on an issue, and contribute to group and class decision making.
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 4 ( PDF - 751KB)
