7-10 Australian Curriculum Civics and Citizenship

Year 7

Year 7 Level Description

The Year 7 curriculum provides a study of the key features of Australia's system of government and explores how this system aims to protect all Australians. Students examine the Australian Constitution and how its features, principles and values shape Australia's democracy. They look at how the rights of individuals are protected through the justice system. Students also explore how Australia's secular system of government supports a diverse society with shared values.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students' civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

How is Australia's system of democratic government shaped by the Constitution?
What principles of justice help to protect the individual's rights to justice in Australia's system of law?
How is Australia a diverse society and what factors contribute to a cohesive society?

Year 7 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

The key features of government under the Australian Constitution with a focus on: the separation of powers, the roles of the Executive, the Houses of Parliament, and the division of powers (ACHCK048 - Scootle )

The process for constitutional change through a referendum (ACHCK049 - Scootle )

Laws and citizens

How Australia's legal system aims to provide justice, including through the rule of law, presumption of innocence, burden of proof, right to a fair trial and right to legal representation (ACHCK050 - Scootle )

Citizenship, diversity and identity

How Australia is a secular nation and a multi-faith society with a Christian heritage (ACHCK051 - Scootle )

How values, including freedom, respect, inclusion, civility, responsibility, compassion, equality and a 'fair go', can promote cohesion within Australian society (ACHCK052 - Scootle )

How groups, such as religious and cultural groups, express their particular identities; and how this influences their perceptions of others and vice versa (ACHCK053 - Scootle )

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Develop a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems (ACHCS054 - Scootle )

Identify, gather and sort information and ideas from a range of sources (ACHCS055 - Scootle )

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS056 - Scootle )

Problem-solving and decision-making

Appreciate multiple perspectives and use strategies to mediate differences (ACHCS057 - Scootle )

Use democratic processes to reach consensus on a course of action relating to a civics or citizenship issue and plan for that action (ACHCS058 - Scootle )

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS059 - Scootle )

Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australia's democracy (ACHCS060 - Scootle )

Year 7 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 7, students explain features of Australia's Constitution, including the process for constitutional change. They explain how Australia's legal system is based on the principle of justice. Students explain the diverse nature of Australian society and identify the importance of shared values in promoting a cohesive society.

When researching, students develop a range of questions and gather and analyse information from different sources to investigate Australia's political and legal systems. They consider different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives to develop solutions to an issue. Students develop and present arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, terms and concepts. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens.

Year 7 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 8

Year 8 Level Description

The Year 8 curriculum provides a study of the responsibilities and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively participate in their democracy. Students consider how laws are made and the types of laws used in Australia. Students also examine what it means to be Australian by identifying the reasons for and influences that shape national identity.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students' civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Australia's democracy?
How are laws made and applied in Australia?
What different perspectives are there about national identity?

Year 8 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

The freedoms that enable active participation in Australia's democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly, religion and movement (ACHCK061 - Scootle )

How citizens can participate in Australia's democracy, including use of the electoral system, contact with their elected representatives, use of lobby groups, and direct action (ACHCK062 - Scootle )

Laws and citizens

How laws are made in Australia through parliaments (statutory law) and through the courts (common law) (ACHCK063 - Scootle )

The types of law in Australia, including criminal law and civil law, and the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customary law (ACHCK064 - Scootle )

Citizenship, diversity and identity

The values and beliefs of religions practised in contemporary Australia, including Christianity (ACHCK065 - Scootle )

Different perspectives about Australia's national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and what it means to be Australian (ACHCK066 - Scootle )

How national identity can shape a sense of belonging in Australia's multicultural society (ACHCK067 - Scootle )

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Develop a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems (ACHCS068 - Scootle )

Identify, gather and sort information and ideas from a range of sources (ACHCS069 - Scootle )

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically analyse information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS070 - Scootle )

Problem-solving and decision-making

Appreciate multiple perspectives and use strategies to mediate differences (ACHCS071 - Scootle )

Use democratic processes to reach consensus on a course of action relating to a civics or citizenship issue and plan for that action (ACHCS072 - Scootle )

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS073 - Scootle )

Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australia's democracy (ACHCS074 - Scootle )

Year 8 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 8, students analyse features of Australian democracy, and explain features of Australia's democracy that enable active participation. They recognise different types of law in Australia and explain how laws are made. They identify the diverse belief systems in Australia and analyse issues about national identity and the factors that contribute to people's sense of belonging.

When researching, students develop a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems and critically analyse information gathered from different sources for relevance. They explain different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives, use democratic processes, and develop solutions to an issue. Students develop and present reasoned arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.

Year 8 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 9

Year 9 Level Description

The Year 9 curriculum builds students' understanding of Australia's political system and how it enables change. Students examine the ways political parties, interest groups, media and individuals influence government and decision making processes. They investigate the features and principles of Australia's court system, including its role in applying and interpreting Australian law. Students also examine global connectedness and how this is shaping contemporary Australian society.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students' civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

What influences shape the operation of Australia's political system?
How does Australia's court system work in support of a democratic and just society?
How do citizens participate in an interconnected world?

Year 9 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

The role of political parties and independent representatives in Australia's system of government, including the formation of governments (ACHCK075 - Scootle )

How citizens' political choices are shaped, including the influence of the media (ACHCK076 - Scootle )

The process through which government policy is shaped and developed, including the role of Prime Minister and Cabinet (ACHCK103 - Scootle )

Laws and citizens

The key features of Australia's court system and how courts apply and interpret the law, resolve disputes and make law through judgements (ACHCK077 - Scootle )

The key principles of Australia's justice system, including equality before the law, independent judiciary, and right of appeal (ACHCK078 - Scootle )

Citizenship, diversity and identity

How and why individuals and groups, including religious groups, participate in and contribute to civic life (ACHCK079 - Scootle )

The influence of a range of media, including social media, in shaping identities and attitudes to diversity (ACHCK080 - Scootle )

How ideas about and experiences of Australian identity are influenced by global connectedness and mobility (ACHCK081 - Scootle )

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Develop, select and evaluate a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems (ACHCS082 - Scootle )

Identify, gather and sort information and ideas from a range of sources and reference as appropriate (ACHCS083 - Scootle )

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS084 - Scootle )

Account for different interpretations and points of view (ACHCS085 - Scootle )

Problem-solving and decision-making

Recognise and consider multiple perspectives and ambiguities, and use strategies to negotiate and resolve contentious issues (ACHCS086 - Scootle )

Use democratic processes to reach consensus on a course of action relating to a civics or citizenship issue and plan for that action (ACHCS087 - Scootle )

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS088 - Scootle )

Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australian, regional and global contexts (ACHCS089 - Scootle )

Year 9 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 9, students evaluate features of Australia's political system, and identify and analyse the influences on people's political choices. They explain the key principles of Australia's system of justice and analyse the role of Australia's court system. They analyse a range of factors that influence identities and attitudes to diversity. They reflect on how groups participate and contribute to civic life.

When researching, students analyse a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems and critically analyse information gathered from different sources for relevance and reliability. They compare and account for different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take into account multiple perspectives, use democratic processes, and negotiate solutions to an issue. Students develop and present evidence-based arguments on civics and citizenship issues using appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They analyse ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.

Year 9 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 10

Year 10 Level Description

The Year 10 curriculum develops student understanding of Australia's system of government through comparison with another system of government in the Asian region. Students examine Australia's roles and responsibilities within the international context, such as its involvement with the United Nations. Students also study the purpose and work of the High Court. They investigate the values and practices that enable a democratic society to be sustained.

The civics and citizenship content at this year level involves two strands: civics and citizenship knowledge and understanding, and civics and citizenship skills. These strands are interrelated and have been developed to be taught in an integrated way, and in ways that are appropriate to specific local contexts. The order and detail in which they are taught are programming decisions.

Key inquiry questions

A framework for developing students' civics and citizenship knowledge, understanding and skills at this year level is provided by the following key questions:

How is Australia's democracy defined and shaped by the global context?
How are government policies shaped by Australia's international legal obligations?
What are the features of a resilient democracy?

Year 10 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

The key features and values of Australia's system of government compared with at least ONE other system of government in the Asia region (ACHCK090 - Scootle )

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 - Scootle )

Laws and citizens

The role of the High Court, including in interpreting the Constitution (ACHCK092 - Scootle )

How Australia's international legal obligations shape Australian law and government policies, including in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (ACHCK093 - Scootle )

Citizenship, diversity and identity

The challenges to and ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and cohesive society (ACHCK094 - Scootle )

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Develop, select and evaluate a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems (ACHCS095 - Scootle )

Identify, gather and sort information and ideas from a range of sources and reference as appropriate (ACHCS096 - Scootle )

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS097 - Scootle )

Account for different interpretations and points of view (ACHCS098 - Scootle )

Problem-solving and decision-making

Recognise and consider multiple perspectives and ambiguities, and use strategies to negotiate and resolve contentious issues (ACHCS099 - Scootle )

Use democratic processes to reach consensus on a course of action relating to a civics or citizenship issue and plan for that action (ACHCS100 - Scootle )

Communication and reflection

Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS101 - Scootle )

Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australian, regional and global contexts (ACHCS102 - Scootle )

Year 10 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

By the end of Year 10, students compare and evaluate the key features and values of systems of government, and analyse the Australian Government's global roles and responsibilities. They analyse the role of the High Court and explain how Australia's international legal obligations influence law and government policy. Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies.

When researching, students evaluate a range of questions to investigate Australia's political and legal systems and critically analyse information gathered from different sources for relevance, reliability and omission. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take account of multiple perspectives and ambiguities, use democratic processes, and negotiate solutions to an issue. Students develop and present evidenced-based arguments incorporating different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. They use appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They evaluate ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.

Australian Curriculum Version 8.4 in Queensland

7-10 Australian Curriculum Civics and Citizenship

Australian Curriculum: Civics & Citizenship

Understand how Civics and Citizenship works

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Year 7 Level Description

Year 7 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

Laws and citizens

Citizenship, diversity and identity

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communication and reflection

Year 7 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

Year 7 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 8 Level Description

Year 8 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

Laws and citizens

Citizenship, diversity and identity

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communication and reflection

Year 8 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

Year 8 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 9 Level Description

Year 9 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

Laws and citizens

Citizenship, diversity and identity

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communication and reflection

Year 9 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

Year 9 Work Sample Portfolios

Year 10 Level Description

Year 10 Content Descriptions

Civics and Citizenship Knowledge and Understanding

Government and democracy

Laws and citizens

Citizenship, diversity and identity

Civics and Citizenship Skills

Questioning and research

Analysis, synthesis and interpretation

Problem-solving and decision-making

Communication and reflection

Year 10 Achievement Standards

Achievement Standard

Year 10 Work Sample Portfolios

Australian Curriculum Version 8.4 in Queensland