Year 9 Election Program
The timely relaxation of restrictions meant that the annual Year 9 Election Program was able to run as planned. This learning experience immerses students in some of the key aspects of Australian politics, including federation, the Constitution, separation of powers, levels of government, elections, and voting. Students were busy for three days writing speeches, designing badges and websites, developing policies, creating badges and posters, filming promotional videos and much more. Each party developed policies for the following key issues: improving mental health resources for young people; underage drug and alcohol abuse prevention; Net Zero 2050 strategies; and post-COVID recovery in education and jobs for young Australians.
We could not be more proud of how our Year 9s enthusiastically threw themselves into their work. The collaboration, kindness and attention to detail were outstanding. Our students worked wonderfully in teams, living out Romans 12:10, which asks us to Be first to honour others by putting them first.
This year, instead of allocating each Home Group a political party identity, they were allocated colours only, and encouraged to develop their own names, policies, slogans and logos:
9.19 Yellow/Infiniti To Infiniti and beyond
9.20 Green/Justice Party A more clean, more green Australia
9.21 Blue/True Blues True Blues – loyal to you
9.22 Red/Labour Party Labour – it includes U
Many students provided thoughtful and honest reflections on the program.
I really enjoyed the election program we did this week and was really happy that we were able to do it. It was a great way to get together as a Home Group and work on one last final task at the end of the year. We all had a really great time while also learning more about the Australian Political system. Eden Shambrook (9.21)
The week was hectic yet so enjoyable. Watching the hard work and team efforts come to fruition was satisfying to see in the end, as well as the competitive spirit to win from all the other parties too. It made the three days so much more exciting and I'm sure future students will love the Year 9 election program. Joshua Ho (9.19)
This experience has been pretty fun, the freedom and the work balance were really good because you could do a good amount of work but still have some fun and freedom whilst you were at it. It was also good just to get to know more about politicians and what they do day to day, it has also given me a little more respect for them because some of them must make some pretty big decisions that have a big impact on Australia. Dylan Edwards (9.20)
I loved the program although I am not very into politics. It was exciting to learn more about our country and hearing speeches was really interesting. I also enjoyed working as a team, as throughout COVID we haven’t had much interaction with our peers, so this experience was very fun. Chloe Woollands (9.22)
I really enjoyed the election program this year, I was looking forward to it and hoped we would be able to still do it because of COVID-19. I took a risk by being a spokesperson, but I wouldn't change it because it showed me what I am capable of and to not underestimate myself. I will definitely remember these past few days. Jessie Hogeland (9.21)
My experience with the 2021 elections was a lot of fun. It was great interacting with everyone and working together. I loved seeing what everyone came up with, seeing their ideas and their point of view on a certain subject. It was great fun! Mimi Fisher (9.20)
I really liked this program. I have learned so much in the past three days, and I have become a lot closer will my fellow classmates. This program has truly been a highlight for me in Year 9, and I wish I could do it again. Angelica De Silva Thanapathy (9.19)
The winner of this year’s election was 9.21, the True Blue party. It was a close result, with the True Blues relying on third and fourth preferences to get them over the line in front of the 9.19 Infiniti party. The final two-party preferred result was 119-90. Congratulations to 9.21, expertly led by Sharntai Niemann and Max Broadley-Thomson.
My thanks go out to the many staff who worked with our Year 9s throughout the program, providing unlimited support and encouragement. I especially acknowledge the Home Group teachers, Mr Fox, Miss Zhong, and Mr Bird, as well as our wonderful Year 9 Coordinator, Ms Coates.
Stephen White
Head of Humanities