Shea Steven - ESH360 AT1.1 - Civics and Citizenship


Civics and Citizenship in 6S

What are students learning?

This term, 6S students will be exploring through inquiry based learning approaches, civics and citizenship. Students will examine Australian citizenship and reflect on the rights and responsibilities that being a citizen entails (citizenship and identity), and explore the obligations that people may have as global citizens (citizenship, diversity and identity) (ACARA, 2016). Through the exploration of civics and citizenship, students will be given the opportunity to discover democracy and how they, as Australian citizens have a voice within our democratic society.  As a class, we will discuss what we believe a responsible active citizen is and further develop plans for our class and broader plans for our community as we develop skills and knowledge required to discuss relevant controversial issues in a democratic manner (Gilbert & Hoepper, 2014).

Why they are learning:

Research shows, discussing controversial issues with students prepares them to deal with controversies in adult life in knowledgeable, sensible and moral ways (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, 1998). From learning about citizens and citizenships, alongside controversial issues, students can develop a sense of connection within their communities from research and discussions where they then participate in civic life and develop a sense of responsible citizenship where they also become active citizens as seen in the Melbourne Declaration (see Figure 1).

 How they are learning:

Students will be learning throughout the whole term through the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) unit. This unit will be based around civics and citizenship and will include discussions on what the students know about being a citizen, exploring what being a citizen means to the students, learning democratic language, creating classroom, community and world wide plans for controversial issues and finally using this knowledge and a controversial issue to present a debate in small groups – this will show the students understanding of civics and citizenship while also acknowledging their learnings of controversial issues and how to respond to others in a respectful way. Through this, students are able to work alongside other general capabilities outlined in the Australian Curriculum such as literacy, ICT, critical and creative thinking, ethical understanding and intercultural understanding as well as relating to cross-curriculum priorities such as sustainability when looking at controversial issues. 

How parents/guardians can support their child’s learning:

As we will be discussing and exploring some interesting and controversial topics, students may come home and wish to continue the conversation about the chosen topic at hand. The topics selected are not intended to pressure you or your children in any way, rather it will help strengthen their ability to articulate their own opinions and make constructive comments towards other’s perspectives. I encourage you ask questions to further their inquiry such as ‘why do you think/ believe that?’. For some inquiry based questions to ask your children, or topics to discuss with them see figure 2 and 3. This can help students further their research and broaden their understandings and perspectives towards topics. We can’t wait for you to explore civics and citizenship with us!
Word Count: 500 

Figures:

Figure One:
Figure Two:

Figure Three:


References:


Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2016). Foundation to year 10 curriculum. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/

Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2013). Draft years 3-10 Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship. Retrieved from http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Static/docs/HSS/Draft%20Years%203%20-%2010%20Australian%20Curriculum%20-%20Civics%20and%20Citizenship%20-%20May%202013.pdf

Gilbert, R., & Hoepper, B. (2014). Teaching humanities and social sciences: History, geography, economics and citizenship in the Australian curriculum. South Melbourne, VIC: Cengage Learning Australia.

Marsh, C., Clarke., & Pittaway, S. (2014). Marsh's becoming a teacher. Frenchs Forest, N.S.W: Pearson Australia.




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