Civics & Citizenship · Year 6 · Making and Breaking Laws · Term 2

From Idea to Rule: School Rule Creation

Students simulate the process of identifying a need for a new school rule, discussing it, and getting it approved.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9HASS6K02

About This Topic

The process of how an idea becomes a law is a central pillar of the Australian legislative system. This topic traces the journey of a bill through the House of Representatives and the Senate, including the three readings, committee stages, and Royal Assent. For Year 6 students, this provides a clear map of how the government responds to the needs and desires of the public. It aligns with AC9HASS6K02, focusing on the functions of the two houses of federal parliament.

By studying the path of a bill, students learn about the importance of debate, scrutiny, and compromise in a democracy. They see that making laws is a deliberate and often slow process designed to ensure that new rules are thoroughly checked before they affect the nation. This topic is particularly effective when students can role-play the parliamentary process, taking on the roles of ministers, shadow ministers, and the Speaker to experience the pressure of the chamber.

Key Questions

1. Explain the sequential steps involved in creating a new school rule.
2. Analyze the importance of consensus and compromise in rule-making.
3. Design a proposal for a new school rule, considering its potential impact.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the sequential steps involved in creating a new school rule.
• Analyze the importance of consensus and compromise in rule-making.
• Design a proposal for a new school rule, considering its potential impact on the school community.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed school rule based on defined criteria.

Before You Start

Understanding Rules and Laws in Society

Why: Students need a basic understanding of why rules exist and their purpose in maintaining order before they can explore the process of creating them.

Identifying Problems and Proposing Solutions

Why: This topic requires students to identify a need for a rule, which builds upon their ability to recognize issues and suggest ways to resolve them.

Key Vocabulary

Proposal	A formal suggestion or plan put forward for consideration or discussion, often in writing. For a school rule, this includes the reason for the rule and its expected benefits.
Consensus	General agreement reached by a group. In rule-making, it means finding a solution that most people can accept, even if it's not their first choice.
Compromise	An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. This involves giving up something to reach a shared decision.
Stakeholder	A person or group with an interest or concern in something, such as a school rule. This includes students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
Ratification	The action of signing or giving formal consent to a treaty, contract, or agreement, making it officially valid. In schools, this might be approval by the principal or school board.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Prime Minister just writes the laws and tells everyone to follow them.

What to Teach Instead

The Prime Minister and their Cabinet propose many laws, but they must be debated and passed by a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Role-playing the voting process helps students see that the PM needs the support of Parliament.

Common Misconception

A law is finished as soon as the House of Representatives votes 'yes'.

What to Teach Instead

In Australia's bicameral system, a bill must almost always pass through the Senate as well. Using a 'flow chart' activity helps students visualize the Senate as the essential 'second check'.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: Mock Parliament

The class is divided into Government, Opposition, and Crossbench. They debate a 'School Uniform Bill,' following the formal steps of the first, second, and third readings, including a vote using 'Aye' and 'No.'

60 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: The Life of a Real Bill

Small groups are assigned a recent, simple bill (like a plastic bag ban). They use the Parliament of Australia website to track its timeline and identify who supported it and who opposed it.

45 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Why so many steps?

Students reflect on why a bill has to go through so many readings and two different houses. They discuss whether this makes laws 'better' or just 'slower' before sharing with the class.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• Local council members often hold community forums to discuss and gather feedback on proposed changes to local bylaws, such as parking regulations or park usage rules. Residents can attend these meetings to voice their opinions and suggest amendments.
• Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) frequently debate and vote on new school policies, like fundraising initiatives or changes to the school's behaviour code. Members must reach a consensus to implement new guidelines effectively.
• City planners present proposals for new public facilities, such as playgrounds or community gardens, to residents. Citizens provide input, and planners may need to compromise on design elements to gain community support before construction begins.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a scenario: 'The school library is too noisy during lunch breaks.' Ask them to write down two steps they would take to propose a new rule to address this, and one question they would ask a classmate to gauge their opinion.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine our class needs a new rule about sharing sports equipment. What are two different ideas someone might propose, and how could we use compromise to decide on one rule that works for most people?' Facilitate a brief class discussion.

Quick Check

Present students with a short, pre-written proposal for a new school rule. Ask them to identify one potential benefit and one potential drawback of the rule, and to suggest one modification that might improve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching the path of a bill?

A full-scale mock parliament is the gold standard for this topic. By assigning roles like the Serjeant-at-Arms and the Clerk, students feel the formality of the process. This immersion helps them remember the sequence of the 'three readings' because they have physically moved through the steps of a debate, a division (vote), and the signing of the bill.

What is a 'Bill' in the Australian Parliament?

A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing one. It only becomes an 'Act of Parliament' (a law) after it has been passed by both houses and given Royal Assent.

What happens during the 'Second Reading' of a bill?

This is the most important stage for debate. The Minister explains the purpose of the bill, and members from all sides of politics give speeches stating why they support or oppose the idea.

Who is the Governor-General and what is Royal Assent?

The Governor-General represents the King in Australia. Royal Assent is the final step where the Governor-General signs the bill, officially making it a law of the land.