How to use this resource
Ultimately, this resource is a civics and citizenship resource. It is structured so that elements of it can be used in a Commerce, History, Geography or Legal Studies classroom. It is divided into four case studies, local government, state government, federal government and an international issue. These are all addressed on separate pages. These case studies have been selected to demonstrate various elements of active citizenship whilst also covering content such as the Freedom Rides, the Franklin Dam, Mabo, Wik and Human Rights. The pages all follow similar structure, with civic actions that can be undertaken at any moment. The culminating activity requires students to engage with current issues in their community and design an action plan.
Search here for other relevant resources using key words. Look for a laptop wrap about the Freedom Rides based on Making a difference.
This resource is designed for use with the following syllabuses:
Commerce Years 7-10
Board of Studies: Commerce Years 7-10
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Core 2.1 - Law and Society
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Option 6 - Political Involvement
Read detailed information about the Commerce syllabus links within Making a difference
History Years 7 -10
Board of Studies: History Years 7 -10
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Topic 6 - Changing rights and freedoms
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Topic 7 - People Power and Politics in the Post-war Period
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Civics and Citizenship
Read detailed information about the History syllabus links within Making a difference
Geography Years 7-10
Board of Studies: Geography Years 7-10
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Focus Area 5A4 - Australia in Its Regional and Global Contexts
Read detailed information about the Geography syllabus links within Making a difference
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Civics and Citizenship
Legal Studies
Board of Studies: Legal Studies
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Preliminary - Part I: the legal system
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HSC - Part II: Human Rights
Read detailed information about the Legal Studies syllabus links within Making a difference
Intellectual quality
This resource focuses on developing student understanding of society, political involvement, and civics and citizenship. The resource encourages students to deepen their understanding of active citizenship by providing opportunities for further research. Students are also provided with opportunities to engage in discussions which require them to manipulate information and ideas. The resource allows students to examine information from real stories and to use these examples of active citizenship to guide them in the process of becoming an active citizen.
Quality learning environment
The resource lends itself well to student-directed learning. Rather than having a linear structure, the resource allows and encourages students to move around the resource at their own pace. The rich nature of the case studies and discussion starters means that students are able to engage with the difficult concepts at a level which is suitable for their own learning style and background knowledge.
Significance
The resource has a high focus on civics and citizenship, enabling meaningful connections between the classroom and government and the political process, enabling them to become informed citizens. Students engage with the rich narrative of stories of active citizenship from the perspective of real people involved in them. In each case study students are engaging with actual situations and are encouraged to make connections with people outside the classroom, such as Members of Parliament. Students learn that by being an active citizen they really could make a difference.