Victorian students and teachers from primary through to senior secondary school now have access to new digital resources that will build their understanding of civics and citizenship, making young Victorians more thoughtful, passionate active participants in the democratic process.
The new resources have been co-developed by students, for students – alongside the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA), the Victorian Student Representative Council and Monash University.
Developed with a focus on fostering civic engagement for years 3 to 10, the Andrews Labor Government has invested $747,000 to implement the new non-partisan resources in schools.
The resources focus on five topics – voting, active participation, citizenship, policy and the media’s influence on the political environment – and are accompanied by videos of students interviewing experts and other students about their experiences and thoughts on the topics.
Students will develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the political and legal systems, and the values which underpin a democratic society, to become informed and active citizens.
The course content is age-appropriate, teaching students about issues and processes like debates over changes to the law, elections, government responses to international events, basic theory of political and legal institutions, and democratic values like fairness, equality, representation and accountability and citizens’ rights.
The resources include a Teacher Guide, alongside a series of workshops to introduce teachers to the new materials as part of a professional development learning program.
The new resources are available online at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“We want the Victorian education system to produce informed, thoughtful, passionate young people – and these new resources will ensure it does.”
“The new resources have been designed by students, for students, helping to engage them in the issues that matter.”
“I’m excited to see schools implementing the new interactive resources, helping students become better active participants in all aspects of society.”
Reviewed 05 November 2021