Around the School 

Celebrating Democracy in Australia.

Year 8 Commerce Unit 2021

The year 8 Commerce Unit was launched in the Junior School on the first day of Term 3 and students commenced the first module – Work and Work Futures. Students examined the changing nature of work and the 4 key factors impacting the future of work. They conducted research in small groups and gave oral presentations on their findings. Many teachers commented on the quality of the students’ presentations which was great to hear.

Unfortunately, by the end of the week, lockdown 5 saw the students returning to remote learning. Undeterred, our year 8 students were marvellous, pacing their own learning and completing the remaining two modules – Government and Democracy and Laws and Citizens from home.  Key areas students examined included: the structure of our parliamentary system, the significance of the Australian Constitution, values that govern our laws, the process of law-making and the multicultural nature of our democratic society. They were able to attempt the Australian Citizenship Test and give feedback on the questions they think would be relevant to ask a new Australian.

Students conducted a mock parliament where they debated and voted on a proposal to ban schools from setting homework. Surprisingly, not all classes voted in favour of this proposal. You may want to ask you child what his/her view is.

Finally, to celebrate their learning, students took part in a class Kahoot where their knowledge of the unit was tested.

Congratulations to all students for their involvement in and completion of this unit.

Special congratulations to the following students who won their class Kahoot, as well those whose Democracy poster was voted best in their class.

Kahoot winners:

Bridie Vahrmeyer, Serena Marshall, Katya Kozub, Sasha Durkin, Scarlett Stephens Sam Lymn, Stephanie Chan, Liam Maddock, Lily Knowles, Chelsea Quill, San Lun Taithoul and Scarlett Shallcross.

Democracy poster winners:

Kirsten Lumagbad, Angelita Sargeant, Joseph Cohen, Samuel Ifanti, Singh, Madison Winter, Esther Guscott, Melissa Tan, Masha Yun, Jess Johnson, Kaden Goudie and Jade Cheung.

Deb Wilkins 

Head of Commerce, Civics & Citizenship