Senior Primary

Learning Through Experience

As part of ourCivics and Citizenship unit, If the World Were a Village, students have been exploring what it means to be a responsible citizen — both locally and globally. They have understood that being a citizen comes with both rights and responsibilities, and that our actions can make a difference in the lives of others. This directly aligns with how God asks us to live in community.

As local citizens, students considered issues that matter to them and put their learning into action by writing persuasive letters to a Member of Parliament (or another relevant organisation) to raise a genuine concern. Writing for a real-life audience gave their words purpose and helped students understand that citizens have a voice and can advocate for change.

Our exploration of global citizenship brought an even greater perspective. Students learned about the inequity of access to fresh water around the world and discovered that, for many children, collecting water is a daily responsibility. Some children walk many kilometres each day to collect water for their families and communities. So, rather than simply learning about this experience, we decided to experience a small part of it ourselves.

Students began by walking the full perimeter of the school carrying empty water containers. That was easy enough! Then they filled their containers with water and walked the same journey again. What a difference!

As the kilometres passed, arms became tired and the weight of the water became increasingly difficult to manage. Students began working together in small groups, problem-solving how they could carry the load and support one another. What had initially seemed like a simple task, quickly became a powerful lesson in the daily reality faced by children who have no choice but to make these journeys.

The experience gave students a new appreciation for something we often take for granted: turning on a tap and having safe, fresh water available whenever we need it. 

At the end of the activity, the water from the large containers was put to good use, being poured onto our school trees. It was a wonderful reminder that even a small action can have a positive impact.

Students are now taking their learning one step further. The money raised through the Billy Cart Auction will be donated to an organisation that supports access to fresh water in an area experiencing significant need.

Through If the World Were a Village, students are discovering that citizenship is not simply about knowing our rights and responsibilities. It is about using our voice for others, recognising inequality, showing empathy and taking action, just as Jesus' teachings model.

Most importantly, they are learning that while we may not be able to change the whole world, we can certainly make a difference to someone else's part of it.

The Senior Primary Teaching Team