Year 8 Action Projects - Humanities and Social Science
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, 21 st 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.
We are Australian
(Geography)
Year 8 Action
Projects
Voice of the People
(Civics and Citizenship)
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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