Canberra, the nation's capital, provides a unique environment for students to engage with the Australian Curriculum's Civics and Citizenship learning objectives. At EducaTours of Australia, we are passionate about taking education beyond the classroom, and Canberra offers an ideal setting for students to explore Australia's democratic systems and history through immersive, hands-on activities.

Connecting to the Australian Curriculum

The Civics and Citizenship component of the Australian Curriculum is designed to help students understand how government works, appreciate their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and become active participants in their communities. Our curated tours of Canberra bring these concepts to life, enhancing the traditional classroom experience with real-world learning opportunities.

Key curriculum areas addressed during Canberra-based activities include:

• Australia’s Democracy: understanding the Constitution, Parliament, and voting processes.
• Civic Rights and Responsibilities: learning about participation in democracy and the role of laws.
• Active Citizenship: exploring community engagement and recognizing diversity within Australian society.

Top Civics and Citizenship Experiences in Canberra

1. Parliament House Tour and Role Play
   Students can explore the heart of Australia's political system by visiting Parliament House. Guided tours take them through the House of Representatives and the Senate, where they learn how laws are created and debated. Many tours include a role-play activity where students can act as members of parliament, engaging in debates and voting. This aligns perfectly with curriculum goals, allowing students to see how democratic processes work and why they are essential to Australian governance.
2. Australian War Memorial – Honouring History and Citizenship
   The Australian War Memorial is a powerful place for students to learn about Australia’s role in global conflicts and how national service has shaped our identity. Through educational programs, students gain insight into civic values like remembrance and sacrifice. This experience complements the curriculum by connecting Australia’s history of war and peace to the principles of democracy and citizenship.
3. Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House)
   The Museum of Australian Democracy, housed in Old Parliament House, provides students with an interactive journey through Australia’s political history. Through exhibitions and workshops, students can explore the evolution of democracy, key figures in Australian politics, and significant social movements. This is a great way for students to understand the development of democratic rights and freedoms, which directly aligns with the Civics and Citizenship curriculum.
4. National Electoral Education Centre
   Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, and at the National Electoral Education Centre, students can engage with the voting process through mock elections and interactive exhibits. This experience provides a dynamic way to learn about the electoral system and reinforces curriculum objectives around understanding democratic participation and the role of voting in maintaining a healthy democracy.
5. Royal Australian Mint – Citizenship Through Currency
   The Royal Australian Mint offers a fascinating look at the production of Australia's currency, highlighting the intersection of government, economy, and national identity. Through guided tours and hands-on activities, students learn about the role of money in society and its connection to Australia's history and heritage. This visit ties into the curriculum by exploring how the economy influences civic life and the role of government in managing national resources.

Learning Outside the Classroom: Experiential Education

By taking students to Canberra’s key institutions, we offer them invaluable hands-on learning experiences that complement classroom instruction:

• Enhanced Understanding: Seeing government and civic processes in action deepens students’ comprehension of complex topics like law-making and democratic participation.
• Increased Engagement: Visiting iconic national landmarks brings learning to life, making it more interactive and encouraging students to think critically about their role as future citizens.
• Collaboration and Reflection: Group activities allow students to discuss and reflect on their learning, making connections between theory and real-world practice.

Contact EducaTours of Australia
Let EducaTours plan your school’s next Civics and Citizenship experience in Canberra. We’ll help your students connect with Australia’s democratic heritage and discover the importance of active citizenship.