Civics and Citizenship Education

Civics and Citizenship Education provides students with the opportunity to develop and practice their understanding of and commitment to Australia’s democratic system of government, law and civic life. It entails knowledge and understanding of Australia's democratic heritage and traditions, its political and legal institutions and the shared values of freedom, tolerance, respect, responsibility and inclusion.

The combination of civics (the study of Australian democracy, its history, traditions, structures and processes) and citizenship (developing the skills, attitudes, beliefs and values) provides students with the knowledge, understandings and skills to participate in democratic processes of Australian society.

The importance of providing Civics and Citizenship Education in school curriculum is supported by goal 2 of the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians; "All students become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens" and as one of the five national Statements of Learning that articulate the learning opportunities for all Australian students. It is also a curriculum area that has been nationally assessed since 2004.