2022 CANBERRA TOUR 

PACER - PARLIAMENT & CIVICS EDUCATION REBATE 

Students from our school have recently undertaken an educational tour of the nation's capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the nation's capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursions, the Australian Government is contributing funding of $45.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program known as PACER.  The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the tour.

YEAR 5/6 Inquiry Investigation, Term 2

‘The nature of a government affects its society’

During this term, students in Years 5/6 have undertaken an investigation into the concept of how ‘The nature of a government affects its society’. 

We began by unpacking the big questions:

1. Do we need rules? 
2. Do we need leaders? Why? 
3. How have significant people and events associated with the governing of Australia impacted the development of Australian society? 

These questions allowed a great deal of student voice and agency by promoting ‘curiosity’ and rich questions that informed the direction of this unit.

Throughout this unit, students have looked back at the milestones of Australian parliamentary history that have led Australia to where we are today. This included the forming of a nation through Federation, the establishment of the houses of parliament, and their roles in legislative decision-making. We also explored how the three levels of government interact and support its people, the concept of rights & responsibilities and the process of the preferential voting system, and how it operates to ensure a distributive voice. 

We also delved into how different government systems/philosophies globally operate differently from Australia and unpacked the fairness and equality that Australia’s Monarchical Democratic system provides to its people and how this evokes the spirit of a ‘fair go’. 

Students had a wonderful experience navigating this content, capped off with a tremendous tour of our nation’s capital, supported by families and the Australian Government (PACER program).

Have a look at all these connections to the Victorian Curriculum:

• Identify features of government and law and describe key democratic values (VCCCG001) 
• Identify how and why decisions are made democratically in communities (VCCCG002) 
• Explain the roles of local government and some familiar services provided at the local level (VCCCG003) 
• Explain how and why people make rules (VCCCL004) 
• Distinguish between rules and laws and discuss why rules and laws are important (VCCCL005) 
• Discuss the values, principles and institutions that underpin Australia’s democratic forms of government and explain how this system is influenced by the Westminster system (VCCCG008) 
• Describe the roles and responsibilities of the three levels of government, including shared roles and responsibilities within Australia's federal system (VCCCG009) 
• Identify and discuss the key features of the Australian electoral process (VCCCG010) 
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia's democracy (VCCCG011 
• Explain how state/territory and federal laws are initiated and passed through parliament (VCCCL012) 
• Explain how and why laws are enforced and describe the roles and responsibilities of key personnel in law enforcement, and in the legal system (VCCCL013) 
• Identify who can be an Australian citizen and describe the rights, responsibilities and shared values of Australian citizenship and explore ways citizens can participate in society (VCCCC014) 
• Identify different points of view on a contemporary issue relating to democracy and citizenship (VCCCC015) 
• Australia’s connections with other countries and how these change people and places (VCGGK098) 

RANDOM ANECDOTES FROM CANBERRA 

On the third night of camp, we were treated to vegetarian lasagna! That was the best meal ever! – Eadie H

One of the most memorable moments of the camp was actually walking into the House of Representatives at Parliament House. As everything that we learned about was actually in there in the flesh. So cool to see. – Eve W

One of the best things about camp in Canberra was the food. Danny the head chef and his team gave us some of the best food ever. Waking up to hash browns, enjoying yummy hot meals for dinner was awesome! I also felt lucky that I had lots of layers on, as it was quite chilly, but that didn’t stop me enjoying all the wonderful places we got to see and the things we got to do. – Avalon C

My favourite part was waking up to the -3o weather in the morning and standing there in the rain and windy weather, whilst wearing my one singlet, one thick thermal top, a winter coat and a puffer jacket…weirdly still a bit cold, but was still a lot of fun! – Izzy R

I really enjoyed going to the National Museum. I liked seeing lots of Australia’s history, especially the old cars and caravans on the back, they looked amazing. – Poppy B

My favourite memory of camp in Canberra was going to the new and old parliament houses and taking part in role plays. The one in the old House of Representatives was my favourite. – Lewyn

I really enjoyed the food…especially the mini-hash browns we were treated to each morning…I enjoyed them so much that I worked out that I ate 48 in 4 days! – Rio K

My favourite part was going to the Mint. I was lucky I had a bit of spending money, as I got lots of stuff for me and my family. I liked learning how coins are made. – Naviyaa G

My favourite part of Canberra was when we went into the House of Reps chamber in Parliament House. It was sooo cool to see where all the action takes place. The colour looked amazing! – Maddie S

One of the best moments was at Questacon when we were playing with the giant plasma ball. It looks so cool and I got a little shock when I touched someone’s hand. – Daghda H

A memorable moment for me was when we were at Sportex which is at the AIS. It was super funny when we found out that Mr. Leech was much smaller than a volleyball player. – Olive V

Questacon was just awesome! There were things that broke our brains and things that fascinated us! There were marble tracks that were just epic, as well as huge Tesla coils that made lightning! – Nate S

I was really amazed at the Royal Australian Mint. It was super cool to see all the machines working to make coins. I was surprised to learn that we even make coins for other countries like Papua New Guinea. – Harriet M

My most memorable moment was when we went to the AIS and Sportex. We had so much fun swimming in the pool and played lots of great games. It was so funny when we tried to do underwater gymnastics. – Rosie R