Civics and Citizenship

Civics is defines as:

"an identifiable body of knowledge, skills and understandings relating to the organisation and working of society, including Australia's political and social heritage, democratic processes, government, public administration and judicial system" (p.6 Whereas the people, Civics Education Group, 1994)

Citizenship Education...

Encompasses a whole range of educational processes, formal or informalm that encourage and inform participation by citizens in community activities and public affairs. Civics education is one critical element, as it will provide a foundation for citizenship. (p.7 Whereas the people, Civics Education Group, 1994)

Through learning experiences in the HSIE syllabus, students will acquire knowledge of civics, including the principles of democracy and associated local. State and Australian government structures and processes.

In addition to learning about government structures and processes, students will also learn to participate responsibly and cooperatively in group situations, and when and how to take responsible social and civic action. Such as:

involved, informed and active citizenship
Australian human rights issues
the recognition of ethnic and cultural diversity
the special status of Aboriginal people
the changing status of women
students as both community and global citizens
contributions of groups, movements and policies in the development of fairness and social justice issues in Australia

Engaging with the syllabus provides opportunities such as:

acquire the necessary skills for living in a community as a foundation for active citizenship
learn about British colonisation and the long term nature of Aboriginal citizenship
look critically at civic institutions, processes and issues and learn about Australian political systems, democratic processes and government
community, school and class decision making processes
value difference and fairness - treating people equitably, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or beliefs.

See also "Professional Reading" for further information to support the teaching of civics and citizenship perspectives.

Celebrating Democracy Week: Best practice papers
The Best Practice in Civics and Citizenship Conference was part of Celebrating Democracy Week (CDW). The week provided opportunities for schools in NSW to showcase to colleagues, parents and school communities civics and citizenship education. The papers that were presented at the conference are available here.

Resources to support the inclusion of Civics and Citizenship education in HSIE

Discovering Democracy

Relevant stage(s): Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

NSW Discovering Democracy professional development website promotes civics and citizenship education in government and non-government schools across Years 4–10.

The aim of the NSW professional development on Discovering Democracy is to provide support for teachers in developing strategies that will prepare students to play their part as active and informed citizens.

Belief in Action

Stage 3 resource

The resource provides a series of windows into Australian society, both past and present, by way of studies of people, events and ideas. The rationale is that many people, events and ideas are known but their religious background and motivation are not. The studies recognize the religious convictions of people that led to decisions, actions and activities that have affected other Australians. These studies focus on, and are referred to, the outcome and subject matter of Stage 3 in the HSIE K-6 syllabus.

Resource book: Belief in Action (pdf 923kb)

By word of mouth

Stage 3 resource

By word of mouth offers information on the use of oral history as a classroom device, providing suggestions on preparing students as interviewers: how to be good listeners and ask thoughtful questions, gaining a perspective of the past through recollection of others. A video was included with the teachers book when this resource was distributed to schools.

Book: By word of mouth - conduction oral histories (pdf 3.4mb)

NSW Constitution

Civics continues to be a prominent issue in contemporary society. This site aims to provide information about the NSW Constitution for students and the community. The Civics component of the NSW HSIE Syllabuses K-12 requires students to study structure of government. This is an essential part of being an informed citizen, understanding how the "rules" work. In the future, students of today may be called upon to take part in Constitution-making (a referendum). One way to begin this study is to look at the features of the NSW Constitution.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

Relevant stage(s): Stage 3

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international document that outlines basic rights for all children 0-18 year olds. It is a treaty designed to allow all children the right to fulfill their potential simply because they are human.
In this Internet project we will be looking at some of the worst sides of human behaviour, the mistreatment and abuse of millions of children and also at some of the best of human behaviour, the work of thousands of people who are fighting to end this mistreatment and abuse.

One environment

Relevant stage(s): Stage 3

One Environment is designed for school students aged 9–14 (Years 5–8 in most education systems). Its aims for students are to:
1. learn about the environment in the framework of civics and citizenship
2. learn to use technology in the classroom
3. develop Internet literacy.

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