Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2021
Action
Project Year 8
We are Australian (Geography)
The word ‘multicultural’ entered the national
vocabulary in August 1973, via the Immigration
Minister, Al Grassby. It signalled a shift away from
the White Australia and assimilationist policies of the
post-war period of mass immigration.
Today, 21st Century Australia sees diversity as
something to be embraced and celebrated in the
extended family of the nation. Each new wave of
migrants – whether from Asia, Africa or the Middle
East, has brought with it a rich cultural tapestry of
collective talent and worth which together builds
Australia to being one nation where ‘we are all
Australian’.
This Action Project will introduce students to the
processes of attaining Australian Citizenship
while also learning about the history of Australia’s
early settlement, immigration and migration patterns.
Students will design and deliver a short multimedia
presentation and produce an accompanying
booklet to communicate powerfully about the
Story of Australia.
Action
Project Year 8
Voice of the People (Civics and Citizenship)
“One person can make a difference and everyone
should try” – John F. Kennedy
Communities are vibrant and dynamic organisations
with complex issues and problems. Often, as
members of a community, people see new laws
passed and assume that citizens are powerless to
make changes or participate in the law-making
process. The very thought of one person having an
impact on parliament seems so foreign, yet the very
nature of a democratic nation ensures its people have
access to avenues to be heard. Regardless of what
walk of life people come from, every Australian has
a right and freedom to voice their opinions on the
things that matter most to them.
This Action Project will see students learn the passage
that bills take to become laws. They will then
investigate selected bills in the process of becoming
laws with the full range of implications researched,
analysed and discussed. Based on their findings,
students will then form a ‘direct action plan’ which
will involve a student-led project to drive change in
relation to the discoveries they have made based on
the perceived community needs.
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