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Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Miss Maskell’s Year 4 Class. I am looking forward to an exciting Term. I am hoping that this next unit Civics and Citizenship will be exciting. I would like to create an active and passionate environment where students are kinaesthetically learning, therefore a lot of the learning will be through role play and open conversations. Similarly, I would like students to be in control of their own learning and peer teaching. 


This term we are focusing on HASS, (Humanities and Social Sciences) in particular, Civics and Citizenship, looking at the roles our local government have on the community. Students have been looking at councils and their roles in the local government. Similarly, inquired into the role local governments play and the decisions it makes on behalf of the community (ACARA, 2019).




What are the purposes of learning Civics and Citizenship? 

Students are able to gain greater knowledge by actively learning within the classroom (Gilbert & Hoepper, 2014). Civics and citizenship create active participants within their community and provides students with a voice regarding any concerns they have within their local community and how they can makes a positive change (Tudball, 2014). Through the study of Civics and Citizenship, students can formulate decisions and recognise structures that support their community (ACARA, 2019). 



How are they learning you might ask?

Previously we looked at the roles local governments have and its importance to the democratic system of the government in Australia, providing economic, social and environmental support to communities (Local Government Association Tasmania, 2019). We have had a guest speaker from the local government Mayor Christina Holmdahl, she gave students insight into understanding how the system and West Tamar community work. Christina shared with the students how they can become involved in the community, for example, help design park benches, painting and creating murals, planting trees and other community benefits. This was a great experience for the students and listening to her role and responsibilities allowed the students to think about their role in the community and how they can make a positive contribution.



What’s Next?

We are going to create a mock council meeting. Students will be asked to actively engage looking at the different roles and the function of local government. Students will be given rules that they have to follow in conjunction with rules that apply in a proper council meeting, however, this may slightly be adapted.

Students will have to use persuasive and factual language to successfully push their action. Proposals may be as creative and as imaginative as they wish, it may be illustrated, created through prototypes or written however must address,

What they want to change   
      Why they want to change 
The benefits 
Possible things to consider 
What factors it may affect 
Ways of combating affected factors






Topics of the debate will include:

      Proposal to build a skate park in a local reserve. Students will have to look at the area, are there nursing homes? Is it going to enhance vandalism and crime? It is safe? What are the benefits? Does it create a sense of belonging? 
Demolishing a historical home and surrounding trees to build a shopping center or units. What are the consequences? What are the advantages? 
Street lighting. Are our streets safe at night? Do you feel safe? Do your parents feel safe? What are the risks associated? 
   



The most thought-out proposal will be used as a class activity to construct a letter to the local government, which will be sent and hopefully reviewed. I would like to see creativity and a good persuasive argument. 




What can you do to help?


You play a vital role in your child’s learning process of civics and citizenship as it contributes to a more informed generation. 

What is something you are passionate about?

How do you feel about the topics in debate?

How can local government contribute to community life?

What has changed since you were in year 4?


Please don’t hesitate to email me with any queries.  


Kind Regards,

Miss Maskell


Reference list

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2019).  Foundation to year  10 Curriculum: Humanities & Social Sciences (ACHASSK093). Retrieved from: http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/humanities-and-social-sciences/hass/curriculum/f-10?y=4&s=CNC&c=1&c=2&c=3&c=4&c=5&c=7&c=6&p=1&p=2&p=3&layout=1

Gilbert, R. & Hoepper, B. (2014). Teaching humanities and social sciences: history, geography, economics & citizenship (5th ed.). South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage Learning Australia Pty. Ltd.

Local Government Association of Tasmania. (2019). The Voice of Local Government in Tasmania. [online] Available at: https://www.lgat.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=628 [Accessed 11 Mar. 2019].

Tudball, L & Brett, P. (2014, December). What matters and what's next for civics and citizenship education in Australia: Ethos, Vol. 22, No. 4, Dec 2014: 35-43 Retrieved from https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=904845533409654;res=IELHSS


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