Year 10 Civics & Citizenship

Investigating the core principles of constitutionalism and the rule of law as foundational to Australian governance.

An analysis of how the Australian Constitution divides power to prevent the concentration of authority and ensure accountability.

Examining the functions and powers of the Executive, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet, in Australian governance.

Investigating the structure and functions of the Australian House of Representatives, its role in law-making and representation.

Examining the structure and functions of the Australian Senate, its role as a house of review and states' representation.

Examining the role of the High Court in interpreting the Constitution and acting as the final arbiter of legal disputes.

Investigating the relationship between Federal and State governments and the division of powers in Australia.

Exploring the functions and importance of local government in addressing community needs and services.

Understanding the process of amending the Australian Constitution through referendums and historical examples.

Examining the constitutional and ceremonial roles of the Governor-General in Australia's parliamentary democracy.

Exploring how the Westminster system of government has been adapted and implemented in the Australian context.

Investigating the functions of the public service in implementing government policy and providing advice.

Investigating the origins and development of common law, including precedent and judicial decision-making.

Exploring the creation and interpretation of statute law by parliament and its relationship with common law.

Evaluating the merits and drawbacks of the contest-based legal system used in Australia compared to other global models.

Examining the function of juries in criminal and civil trials, their strengths, and criticisms.

Differentiating between criminal and civil law, their purposes, procedures, and outcomes.

Exploring the principles of civil law, common types of disputes, and the remedies available to parties.

Exploring the principles of sentencing, different types of punishments, and their effectiveness in achieving justice.

Analyzing the barriers that prevent certain groups from achieving fair outcomes within the legal system.

Investigating methods like mediation and arbitration as alternatives to traditional court proceedings.

Investigating how international treaties and agreements influence Australian domestic law and policy.

Understanding the structure of the Australian court system, from local courts to the High Court.

Exploring the provision of legal assistance to those who cannot afford it and its importance for access to justice.

Exploring the concept of human rights, civil liberties, and their historical development in Australia and globally.

Debating the extent to which speech should be protected and when the state has a mandate to intervene.

Examining the right to peaceful assembly and protest, and the legal frameworks governing public demonstrations.

Exploring the history and current status of First Nations rights within the Australian political framework.

Analyzing the impact of surveillance and data collection on individual liberty and national security.

Investigating the components of a fair trial, including presumption of innocence, legal representation, and due process.

Exploring the duties and obligations that accompany rights and freedoms in a democratic society.

Debating the arguments for and against a constitutionally enshrined Bill of Rights in Australia.

Examining the constitutional protection of religious freedom and its implications in a multicultural society.

Exploring the legal frameworks designed to promote equality and prevent discrimination in Australia.

Investigating the right to education in Australia, its legal basis, and challenges to equitable access.

Examining the rights to move freely within Australia and to associate with others, and their limitations.

Understanding the stages of the legislative process and the importance of parliamentary debate and scrutiny.

Analyzing the function of political parties in shaping policy, representing interests, and forming government.

Exploring Australia's preferential voting system, its impact on election outcomes, and the importance of voter participation.

Assessing how interest groups, lobbyists, and corporate entities influence the creation of public policy.

Analyzing the media's power to shape public opinion and hold the government to account.

Investigating how public opinion is measured, influenced, and its role in shaping government policy.

Examining mechanisms that ensure government accountability, such as parliamentary scrutiny, ombudsmen, and freedom of information.

Understanding how government budgets are created, funded, and the ethical considerations in allocating public resources.

Exploring the dynamics and challenges of minority governments and coalition formation in Australia.

Investigating the functions of the Opposition in holding the government accountable and presenting alternative policies.

Examining the mechanisms of parliamentary scrutiny, including Question Time and parliamentary committees.

Analyzing the regulations around political donations and campaign finance, and their impact on democratic fairness.

Evaluating Australia's engagement with the UN and its commitment to international cooperation and peace.

Exploring key international human rights documents and their influence on global and domestic policy.

Exploring how nations collaborate to address the ethical and political challenges of climate change.

Analyzing the ethical and legal complexities of Australia's borders and its treatment of asylum seekers.

Investigating the economic, cultural, and political effects of globalisation on Australia and the world.

Examining Australia's role in providing international aid, its motivations, and effectiveness.

Exploring the causes of international conflict and Australia's involvement in peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts.

Reflecting on the meaning of global citizenship and the responsibilities individuals have towards the global community.

Analyzing Australia's geopolitical relationships and responsibilities within the Asia-Pacific region.

Exploring the role of international trade agreements and their impact on Australia's economy and sovereignty.

Investigating the challenges of transnational crime, terrorism, and Australia's role in international security efforts.

Exploring the role of cultural exchange and soft power in international relations and diplomacy.

Examining the history and effectiveness of protest as a tool for achieving social and political change.

Developing practical skills for effective advocacy, including writing submissions, public speaking, and engaging with elected representatives.

Students apply their knowledge to plan a campaign for a social or political issue they are passionate about.

Exploring the principles and strategies of community organising to empower local groups and achieve collective goals.

Applying ethical frameworks to analyze complex civic dilemmas and justify reasoned courses of action.

Developing critical media literacy skills to evaluate information, identify bias, and navigate misinformation in the digital age.

Reflecting on the challenges facing modern democracies and imagining new ways for citizens to participate.

Exploring how technology can be leveraged to foster greater civic engagement, transparency, and democratic participation.

Investigating avenues for youth participation in civic life and policy-making, from local to national levels.

Exploring the role of volunteering in building social capital and strengthening communities.

Examining the role of philanthropy and social enterprises in addressing societal challenges and driving change.

Exploring how digital tools facilitate global activism and cross-border social movements.