3rd Year Active Citizenship and Democratic Action

Explore why rules are important in our classroom and school, how they keep us safe and fair, and who helps make them.

Learn about the roles of the Principal and teachers in our school, how they lead, and how they help make decisions for our school community.

Understand how new rules might be introduced in our school, from an idea to becoming a rule everyone follows.

Learn about the President of Ireland as an important national figure who represents our country and its values.

Discover the roles of local leaders like mayors and councillors, and how they work to improve our towns and communities.

Investigate the functions of County Councils and the importance of local representation in addressing community needs.

Explore the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society, emphasizing active participation.

Understand how we vote for things in our classroom or school, like choosing a class representative or a game to play, and why everyone's vote counts.

Learn about different public services and the people who work in them, like librarians, postal workers, and park rangers, and how they help our community every day.

Discover that Ireland is part of Europe and learn about some of our neighbouring countries, exploring simple cultural similarities and differences.

Introduce the basic idea of rights as things everyone should have and be able to do, and why it's important to treat everyone fairly.

Explore the rights children have at school, like the right to learn and play, and the responsibilities that come with these rights.

Learn that the United Nations is a group of countries that work together to help people around the world and promote peace.

Evaluate the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) within the Irish legal system and society.

Profile individuals and organizations that fight for social justice and civil liberties, understanding their methods and challenges.

Discuss how we can be welcoming and kind to new children and families who come to our school or community, understanding that everyone deserves to feel safe and included.

Investigate different forms of discrimination (e.g., gender, race, disability) and the legal and social efforts to promote equality.

Learn about the importance of sharing our ideas and feelings respectfully, and also listening carefully to what others have to say, even if we disagree.

Understand the importance of keeping personal information private when using the internet and how to stay safe online.

Discuss basic needs like food, a home, and going to school, and why it's important that all children have access to these things.

Explore the different rules we have at home and in our local community, understanding why they exist and how they help us live together peacefully.

Learn about the role of An Garda Síochána (the police) in our community, how they help people, and how they keep us safe by enforcing rules.

Discuss what happens when rules are broken, focusing on fair consequences that help us learn and make better choices, rather than just punishment.

Explore the principles and practices of restorative justice as an alternative approach to traditional punitive systems.

Learn to tell the difference between facts and opinions in stories and news we hear, and understand that different people might have different ideas.

Develop skills for responsible participation in online political and social spaces, including identifying misinformation.

Introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for global action on environmental and social issues.

Understand that looking after our planet is a job for everyone, and that pollution and waste can affect people and places all over the world.

Think about where our food and toys come from and how we can choose things that are made fairly and help people and the planet.

Design community solutions for waste reduction, sustainable transport, and energy efficiency, linking local action to global goals.

Select a community or global issue and conduct thorough research to understand its root causes and various perspectives.

Develop a strategic plan for advocacy, awareness raising, or direct service to address the chosen issue, considering resources and stakeholders.

Implement the planned actions, collaborating with peers and community members, and adapting to challenges.

Critically assess the impact of the action project, reflect on personal learning as a citizen, and identify future steps.