Inquiry Learning at Our School: Building Global Citizens

We believe that learning is meaningful when it’s connected to real-world ideas and encourages students to think deeply, ask questions, and make connections. Each term, our students engage with an inquiry unit—an approach that brings together key areas of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 under a single, thought-provoking question. These units are designed not only to develop subject-specific knowledge and skills, but also to nurture the attributes of a global citizen.

We define a global citizen as someone who holds an ethical and moral responsibility to actively seek global knowledge and explore diverse perspectives. Through inquiry, our students form connections locally, nationally and globally to understand their impact on the world and take meaningful action for the betterment of our global community.

Here’s a look at the inquiry focus for each year level this term:

Prep – How do we create and share our stories?

Prep learners are exploring storytelling through Media Arts and the Personal and Social Capability. They are learning how to express themselves using different forms of media while also building confidence in sharing their own ideas with others in safe and supportive ways.

Year 1 – How do we express ourselves?

Year 1 students are diving into Drama and the Intercultural Capability to explore the many ways people communicate feelings, ideas and experiences. They are learning how self-expression varies across cultures and developing an appreciation for different ways of sharing stories and emotions.

Year 2 – What do places mean to us?

Through the lens of Geography and Critical and Creative Thinking, Year 2 students are considering the significance of places—both familiar and unfamiliar. They are learning to observe, reflect, and ask questions about the world around them, developing a sense of place and belonging.

Year 3 – How does our country continue to change?

Year 3 learners are investigating how Australia has changed over time, with a particular focus on Australia during 1750-1800, through the study of History and the Intercultural Capability. They are exploring diverse perspectives, past and present, and learning to recognise that change is shaped by many voices and experiences.

Year 4 – How does the media shape how we see ourselves?

With a focus on Media Arts and Critical and Creative Thinking, Year 4 students are analysing how media influence’s identity and perception. They are beginning to question the messages they see and hear in everyday media and to reflect on digital creations and representations.

Year 5 – How does Australia’s political system reflect and promote democracy?

Year 5 students are engaging with Civics and Citizenship, Drama, and the Intercultural Capability to understand the foundations of Australian democracy. Through role-play, discussion and research, they are learning how democratic values are practiced and how diverse voices can be represented in our political system.

Year 6 – How does where I live affect my educational opportunities?

Year 6 students are combining Geography, Economics and Business, and Critical and Creative Thinking to explore the relationship between factors such as geography, economy and social systems that influence access to education in various communities across Australia and the world. They are examining global and local inequalities and critically reflecting the on ideas of fairness, privilege and equity.

Our inquiry units aim to create curious, informed and compassionate learners who understand their place in the world and their power to make a difference. We encourage you to talk with your child about what they are learning and the big ideas they are exploring this term.