Introduction

Civics and Citizenship is a curriculum requirement in the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) by the Department of Education and Early Childhood (DEECD) and covers two areas: civic knowledge and understanding, and community engagement.

1. Civic knowledge and understanding
Civics and Citizenship at MHS provides students at year 10 with the opportunity to explore concepts of democracy, develop knowledge and understanding of the origins and key features of the Australian political, government and legal systems, the diversity of Australia's multicultural society, principles which underpin Australian democracy, such as equality before the law, freedom of speech, democratic representation, accountability of government, social justice and respect for others. As well, students will explore the elements of sustainability in local, national and global contexts and learn about the contribution democracy has made to Australia's history and national identity and Australia's place in the world.

2. Community engagement
This area focuses on the development of skills and behaviours students need to interact with the community and engage with organisations and groups, such as decision making, voting and leadership, the rules and laws of governance and concepts such as human rights and social justice. Students should think critically about their own values, rights and responsibilities and those of organisations and groups across a range of settings and explore the diversity in society. Students should explore and consider different perspectives and articulate and justify their own opinions on local, national and global issues, as well as refine their opinions, values and allegiances and apply their knowledge and skills in a range of community-based activities.

Key Question for the Civics and Citizenship Project

Students will focus on the question:

What does it mean to be a citizen in Australia and a member of the community?

You will demonstrate your knowledge through the completion and presentation of the task work.

This webpage contains all the material related to the task, as well as some helpful guidelines.