Civics and citizenship / Year 10 / Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding / Government and democracy

Curriculum content descriptions

The Australian Government’s role and responsibilities at a global level, for example provision of foreign aid, peacekeeping, participation in international organisations and the United Nations  (ACHCK091)

Elaborations
  • exploring the types of participation that Australia has in the Asia region and internationally (for example, exchange programs, peacekeeping, election monitoring, health programs, disaster management)
  • investigating Australia’s involvement with the United Nations (for example, representation in the organisation and adherence to conventions and declarations that Australia has ratified)
General capabilities
  • Ethical understanding Ethical understanding
ScOT terms

International law,  International aid,  Peacekeeping

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Discovering democracy: human rights

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore the historical development of human rights and how they are upheld in Australia. Complete a related task.

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Making a difference

This resource consists of four case studies that explore issues of civics and citizenship at local, state, federal government and international levels and encourage students to plan their own civic acts. The local and state government case studies are most suited to a middle-years' audience while the federal and international ...

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BTN: Nuclear tests at Maralinga

Can you imagine nuclear bombs being exploded in Australia, over your home? This 5-minute video explains that between 1953 and 1963, the Australian Government led by Robert Menzies allowed Britain to test nuclear bombs in the open air at sites in Australia. Students learn about the consequences suffered by the Maralinga ...

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SDG Lesson Plans for New Zealand Teachers

This book aims to provide teachers with practical activities to fuel classroom engagement and discussion about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each lesson plan focusses on an important theme inherent in the SDGs (“Sustainable food”, “Cities”, “Women and equality” etc.) and provides multiple activities ...

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Sustainable Foundations: A guide to teaching the Sustainable Development Goals

This extensive guide drills down into each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and includes useful links and examples of action for each Goal.

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The World’s Largest Lesson!

This resource promotes use of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in learning. Find lesson ideas, videos and posters that explore each of the SDGs in detail.

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Calls for recognition of Indigenous Australians

This 6-minute video explores the debates around the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the constitution. It looks at the calls for the Australian constitution to recognise and advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultures, heritage and languages and the legal concerns associated ...

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Counted: Faith Bandler on voting yes in the 1967 referendum

In 1967, after 10 years of campaigning, Australia voted yes in the referendum on changing the way Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the Constitution. This short video captures media coverage of the event and snippets of interviews with significant figures including Faith Bandler. The resource ...

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Stateline TAS: Aunty Ida West: Tasmanian Aboriginal Elder, 1995

This 3-minute clip explores challenges faced by Aboriginal people in the 20th century including the denial of culture and language. Students are introduced to Tasmanian woman Aunty Ida West and learn about her background and the life experiences that forged her as an activist, ambassador, and eventually a prominent Elder. ...

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ABC Open: Aunty Dorrie and the 'dog licence'

This short video tells of a family's experience of the Certificate of Exemption, issued by the Aboriginal Welfare Board, that allowed Indigenous Australians to live as part of white Australian society. Students hear of the restrictions associated with the certificate and the activism that helped to end them.

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Counted: Being an Aboriginal student in the 1960s

In this short video, leading Aboriginal figures Stan Grant Snr, Marcia Langton and Sol Bellear share their school experiences of the 1960s. Students hear of the different ways they were marginalised. The resource also includes suggested discussion questions.

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BTN: History of voting

Australia's first parliamentary election was in 1843. What was different about voting then? When and how did that change to resemble elections we have now? This 4-minute video explores three significant dates in Australia’s history of voting and the changes that occurred on those dates.

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1967 and a new activism

This short video explores the flow on effects of the 1967 referendum. Students hear that the struggle for land rights became the focus of the next wave of Aboriginal activists, who gained domestic and world attention by erecting a tent embassy on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.

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In my blood it runs: whose story of history?

This resource is an excerpt from the ‘In My Blood It Runs’ teaching and learning resource produced by the Australian Teachers of Media. It includes a video clip that explores the experiences of Aboriginal students during an Australian history class focused on Cook's 1770 voyage and land claim, and questions to support discussion. ...

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Quizzes

Test your students with these quizzes about the Australian Parliament. Topics include the three levels of government, separation of powers and the Australian Constitution.

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Laptop wrap – the Stolen Generations

This resource explores the experiences of the Stolen Generations. It includes teaching and learning activities and links to other resources.

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Magna Carta: The story of our freedom

This is a resource about the Magna Carta (Great Charter) agreed between King John and his rebellious barons in 1215, and its influence on the development of human rights and democratic freedoms to the present day. The resource consists of an animated chronological infographic, a video (4:11 min) with audio description and ...

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The Australian Dream: History and truths

This resource explores the history of Australia and the effects that past government policies and actions have had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The video clip highlights how, as a country, Australians find it difficult to talk about the uncomfortable truths of our history. It also explores the responses ...

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Discovering democracy: parties control parliament

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore the role political parties and independents have in Australia. Learn about some of fundamental principles underpinning the major parties. Complete a related task.

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Discovering democracy: what sort of nation?

Interact with a slideshow of images and text to explore what has influenced the sort of nation Australia is and how it has changed over time. Complete a related task.