Civics and Citizenship · Term 3

Political Parties and Ideologies

Students will explore the role of political parties in Australia, their different ideologies, and how they represent diverse views.

About This Topic

Global Citizenship explores Australia's place in the international community and our responsibilities as part of a connected world. Students investigate the role of international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and Australia's obligations under international treaties, particularly regarding human rights and the environment. They also look at how individual actions, such as ethical consuming or supporting international charities, can impact global issues.

In the Year 8 HASS curriculum, this topic encourages students to think beyond their own borders. It teaches them that the decisions we make in Australia can have consequences for people on the other side of the world. By studying global citizenship, students develop a sense of shared responsibility for the planet and its people, which is a key goal of a modern education.

Students grasp this concept faster through collaborative investigations where they research a global issue and propose a 'local to global' action plan.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The UN Challenge

Groups are assigned one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., No Hunger, Climate Action). They must research what Australia is doing to help reach this goal and suggest one more thing our country could do.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: My Global Footprint

Students discuss where their clothes, food, and electronics come from. They share how their daily choices as consumers connect them to workers and environments in other countries.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Simulation Game: The International Treaty Game

Students act as representatives from different countries trying to agree on a treaty to reduce plastic in the ocean. They must negotiate and make compromises to reach a deal that everyone can sign.

⏱ 45 min·Whole Class

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Australia is too small to make a difference in global issues.

What to Teach Instead

Australia is a wealthy nation with significant influence in the UN and the Asia-Pacific region. A 'UN Challenge' activity helps students see the specific ways Australia contributes to global progress.

Common Misconception

Global citizenship is only about giving money to charity.

What to Teach Instead

It's also about advocating for better laws, making ethical choices as a consumer, and protecting the environment. Peer discussion about 'Global Footprints' helps students see the many ways they are already connected to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United Nations (UN)?

The UN is an international organization made up of 193 countries. Its main goals are to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development around the world.

What are human rights?

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They include the right to life, the right to a fair trial, and the right to freedom of speech.

How can active learning help students understand global citizenship?

Using 'Global Simulations', where students have to negotiate from the perspective of different nations, helps them understand the complexity of international relations. This active approach makes the challenges of global cooperation much more real and less like a list of abstract problems.

How does Australia help other countries?

Australia provides 'foreign aid' to help other countries with things like healthcare, education, and disaster relief. We also participate in international peacekeeping missions and trade agreements.

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