Delivering on an election commitment, the Andrews Labor Government is opening applications for the Premier’s Spirit of Democracy Prize, inviting students in years 9, 10 and 11 at government, Catholic and independent schools to apply to participate in a study tour of Greece, to deepen their understanding of civics and citizenship.
Acting Premier and Education Minister James Merlino today announced that applications are now open for the study tour, which offers up to 22 Victorian students the opportunity to travel to Greece as part of a curriculum immersion program.
Students are encouraged to submit a written response about democracy, drawing on the work of classical Greek thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle and explore the role, history and evolution of democracy and how it has shaped Australia and Victoria.
The successful applicants will be selected by a panel and invited to travel to Greece to deepen their learning and broaden their understanding of democracy and citizenship through the international experience.
Last month the government announced a funding boost of $747,000 to promote student participation and engagement in civics and citizenship. As a part of this investment, the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority is working with academic experts and the VicSRC to build on the teaching of civics in Victorian schools.
Applications for the Premier’s Spirit of Democracy Prize open on Tuesday 22 October and close on Thursday, 12 December 2019 with successful applicants travelling during Term 1 school holidays, 2020.
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Quotes attributable to Acting Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino
“Understanding the origin and evolution of democracy will help our students better understand the way contemporary Australia and Victoria operate.”
“Our Education State aims to expand students’ horizons and shape their futures, we want to encourage Victorian students to learn about the history of civic and political life in the home of democracy.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Metropolitan Jenny Mikakos
“This will give young Victorians an exciting opportunity to learn how the civilisation of ancient Greece and its founding ideas of democracy, continue to shape the Australia we live in today.”
“Having the opportunity to travel to Greece and experience it’s rich culture will also inspire and expand the world view of Victorian students.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020