From the 5/6 Classrooms
Parliament for a Day Incursion
Last week, our Year 5/6 students took part in an engaging and hands-on Parliament Incursion, where they explored how Australia’s democracy works in a meaningful and memorable way.
Throughout the day, students stepped into the roles of politicians and voters. Using costumes, props and role-play, they participated in elections, a referendum and Federal Parliament debates. The experience encouraged students to think critically, speak confidently and develop persuasive arguments.
What Did Students Learn?
Students explored how the government impacts many areas of our lives, including education, the environment and law and order. They developed an understanding of:
- What government is and its role in making and enforcing laws
- Why laws are created and how they help society function safely and fairly
- Australia’s political system as a representative democracy, where citizens vote for politicians to represent them
- Different political systems, including democracy, monarchy, authoritarianism and anarchism
- The three levels of government:
- Local Government (Council members and Mayor)
- State Government (led by a Premier)
- Federal Government (led by the Prime Minister)
Students also learned about:
- Parliament House in Canberra
- The law-making process (House of Representatives, Senate and Governor-General)
- What a Bill is
- Electorates and voting systems
- Preferential voting, informal and donkey votes
Federation, the Australian Constitution and referendums
A Highlight of the Day
The day built towards an exciting Senate debate, where students prepared and delivered speeches on a key issue. This immersive experience brought civics and citizenship to life, allowing students to experience democracy in action rather than simply reading about it.
It was wonderful to see our students confidently sharing ideas, respectfully debating and developing a deeper understanding of how Australia is governed.
