Humanities
Year 8 Democracy Day
Learning to Be Active and Informed Citizens
Our Year 8 students recently took part in an engaging and thought-provoking Democracy Day as part of their Humanities studies. The day was designed to deepen students’ understanding of Australia’s democratic system and highlight the importance of participating as active and informed citizens.
Throughout the sessions, students explored why voting is such a vital part of a democracy. They learned that voting is not just a right, but a responsibility that allows individuals to have a say in decisions that affect their communities.
Discussions also focused on what it means to be active and informed, including staying up to date with current issues, considering different perspectives, and making thoughtful, evidence-based decisions.
To bring these ideas to life, the Year 8 Humanities teachers each presented persuasive pitches for different charities. Students were encouraged to listen critically, ask questions, and evaluate each option before casting their vote—mirroring the real-life democratic process.
Adding to the authentic experience, each student received a classic “democracy sausage” in bread after voting—just like many Australians enjoy on election day. This small but memorable touch helped reinforce the connection between the students’ experience and real-world voting traditions.
After careful consideration, students participated in a formal vote to decide which charity the SRC will support for the next free dress day. We are pleased to announce that the successful charity was Guide Dogs Australia.
The day was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience democracy in action and recognise the power of their voice. We are proud of the thoughtful and respectful way our Year 8 cohort engaged with the process and look forward to seeing them continue to develop as active, informed citizens.
Luke Mason
Leader of Humanities
Geography
Our recent visit to Kinglake provided students with a powerful and meaningful insight into the impact of the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009. Walking through the area and hearing local stories helped students understand both the devastation caused by the fires and the resilience of the community in rebuilding their lives.
The excursion connected classroom learning to real-world experiences, deepening students’ understanding of natural disasters, emergency management, and community recovery. It was a valuable opportunity for reflection, empathy, and learning beyond the classroom.
Sherry White
Humanities