Humanities News
End of Term 3:
Humanities News
2025 Unit 4 VCE Legal Studies Incursion:
Parliamentarian Visit – Mr Steve Dimopoulos MP
You will recall from a previous newsletter that, earlier, I invited all parliamentarians both state and federal, representing the area in which our College sits to visit our VCE Legal Studies students. The second visit occurred on Friday 22 August 2025, when the Unit 4 Legal Studies class welcomed The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP into our class. Steve represents the Oakleigh electorate in the Legislative Assembly (the lower house of Victorian parliament – the state equivalent of the federal House of Representatives).
Steve shared with us some of his own story, from running a coffee shop in Oakleigh, to being elected as mayor, through to becoming a Minister and sitting on the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee. Steve was particularly keen to tell the students of achievements of his government that he is proud of, including the recent inquiry into Working With Children Checks, the implementation of funded Three Year Old Kindergarten and the Yoorook Justice Commission, during which he was questioned.
Having just completed our learning about parliament’s role in law-making, and having recently begun learning about the various influences on law reform, the students were keen to hear Steve’s perspective on the relative strengths and limitations of various influences on law reform. The Minister had a lot of advice on how citizens can advocate effectively for change, including communications with your local member (him!)
The valuable insights shared by Steve have increased student engagement and deepened our understanding of how parliamentarians may be or may not be influenced to change the law. The students have now completed all but their final SAC for Unit 4 and are getting closer and closer to exams. Steve’s visit has helped bring the learning to life.
We look forward to welcoming more parliamentary representatives into our classroom in the future…
Unit 2 VCE Legal Studies
Magistrates’ Court & VCAT Excursion
On Tuesday 26 August 2025, the Unit 2 VCE Legal Studies students visited the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
In the morning, students made their own way into the CBD to meet at the courts precinct. We had a short walking tour, noting the various court buildings, from the Federal Courts complex (complete with the words of the Constitution etched into its window panes), to the modern County Court and the beautiful old heritage listed Supreme Court of Victoria.
We then made our way through into the Melbourne registry of the Magistrates’ Court (after a couple of pairs of scissors were seized by security!) Having completed Unit 1 VCE Legal Studies, the students are well aware of the significance of this court to our legal justice system. Even the most serious of criminal matters commence here, with warrant and bail hearings, through to Committals. And of course, a huge amount of summary offences, and summary offences heard summarily are all heard in this court, from start to finish. The Magistrates’ Court hears in excess of 80,000 matters annually. Students then split into small groups to observe real court cases in action – everything from bail applications, to intervention orders, armed robbery and assault charges, to a client suing their own lawyer.
After lunch, we visited VCAT, which we are currently learning about in Unit 2 Area of Study 2: Remedies (civil law). We were given a tour by VCAT staff members Monica and Noelle, with a chance to observe the very different atmosphere from the Magistrates’ Court. We saw mediation rooms as well as hearing rooms – some with cases being conducted. We were then invited into an empty VCAT hearing room. Monica gave us a run-down of what VCAT does, as well as provide insights into the inner workings of the institution. Students then took part in some role plays, including playing the role of VCAT members, applicants and respondents. Some students even developed their own scenario to argue.
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Jacinta Marlborough
VCE Legal Studies Teacher