Civics and Citizenship Level 6 (Years 9 and 10)
Learning focus
As students work towards the achievement of Level 6 standards in Civics and Citizenship, they explore the development of Australia’s democracy from Federation, the development of the Australian Constitution and the federal system of government. They investigate some historical and contemporary issues, such as the republican debate, the inclusion of a bill of rights in the Australian Constitution, the design of the Australian flag, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) recognition in the Australian Constitution, and the division of federal and state powers. They compare Australia’s democracy with other democracies.
Students investigate the nature and history of the concept of human rights. They become aware of national and international legislation designed to protect those rights. They explore human rights issues at the national and international level, including an investigation of the human rights of ATSI communities and other groups within Australia.
They explore key elements of modern democracy, such as the origins, purposes, objectives and constituencies of political parties, and the characteristics and operation of the electoral system. Students consider the ways that these allow citizens to participate in governance and how well these elements support democratic principles and values. They consider other processes for influencing the views and actions of others; for example, through participation in organisations such as unions, environmental and other interest groups. They consider the role of the media in a democratic society and the importance of a free press.
Students explore Australia’s multicultural society. They learn about the past and present policies of government in relation to ATSI people and immigration, and the values and beliefs which support a harmonious multicultural society. They explore the concept of Australian identity and the contributions of various cultural groups. They consider the development of Australian citizenship over time and reasons why people choose to become Australian citizens. They link their understanding of multiculturalism to contemporary issues, such as the global refugee problem and population growth.
Students evaluate the role of the Australian Government in the global community including Australia’s role in the United Nations, through contexts such as government responses to environmental concerns such as global warming or other issues of environmental sustainability, natural disasters, peacekeeping operations, world poverty and national and global security issues.
Students explore the roles and responsibilities of state and Commonwealth courts and the High Court of Australia. They learn about the differences between different types of law including statute, common, ATSI and international law. They examine case studies of changes in the law such as Mabo, the Franklin Dam, or combating terror or other contemporary examples. They consider the views of individuals and groups in the community about the change and the effects of the change. They examine the processes for bringing about change in Australia’s legal and political systems including the role of open debate in a democracy. They evaluate the effectiveness of democratic processes in bringing about changes in the law.
Students apply their knowledge about representative democracy and systems of government by researching and proposing possible action on an issue relevant to them at the local, state or national level. They explore the potential impact of the issue on different groups within the community, and the effectiveness of the democratic process in balancing individual and community rights in resolving the issue.
Students understand the regional, global and environmental implications of being a citizen in a democracy. They explore Australia’s relationship with other nations and examine the influence of global events and issues on these relationships. They examine how people’s views on the environment influence government policy and non-government organisations and the ways in which governments attempt to address issues of development and sustainability. They investigate ways in which citizens can influence government and consider opportunities to take civic action on issues, including the environment.
Students explore what it means to be a leader, considering different leadership styles and learn how they can lead by example. Students are provided with opportunities to participate in leadership activities and projects that contribute to the wellbeing of others and which may have a local, national or global focus.
National Statements of Learning
This learning focus statement, with the following elaborations and in conjunction with the learning focus statements for Interpersonal Development, Communication and History, incorporates the Year 9 National Statement of Learning for Civics and Citizenship.
Elaborations:
They compare Australia’s democracy with other democracies.
They consider the development of Australian citizenship over time and reasons why people choose to become Australian citizens.
Students understand the regional, global and environmental implications of being a citizen in a democracy. They explore Australia’s relationship with other nations and examine the influence of global events and issues on these relationships. They examine how people’s views on the environment influence government policy and non-government organisations and the ways in which governments attempt to address issues of development and sustainability. They investigate ways in which citizens can influence government and consider opportunities to take civic action on issues, including the environment.
Standards
Civic knowledge and understanding
At Level 6, students describe the origins and nature of Australia’s federal political system and present a considered point of view on an issue about change in the political system and the law. They explain how the Australian Constitution affects their lives, and human rights issues, both national and international. They explain how citizens influence government policy through participation in political parties, elections and membership of interest groups. They explain the development of a multicultural society and the values necessary to sustain it. They describe the election processes in Australia and how to vote. They explain the roles and responsibilities of courts at state and federal levels and evaluate a change in the law. They analyse how well democratic values are reflected in aspects of the Australian political system. They take a global perspective when analysing an issue, and describe the role of global organisations in responding to international issues.
Community engagement
At Level 6, students draw on a range of resources, including the mass media to articulate and defend their own opinions about political, social and environmental issues in national and global contexts. They contest, where appropriate, the opinions of others. They develop an action plan which demonstrates their knowledge of a social or environmental issue and suggest strategies to raise community awareness of it. They participate in a range of citizenship activities including those with a national or global perspective, at school and in the local community.
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 6 ( PDF - 788KB)
