Civics, Stereotypes and Circuit-Breakers

Full steam ahead seems to be the vibe of the 5/6s over the past two weeks as we speed towards the end of term 3. From exploring Australia’s system of government, including the three levels of government and how to pass a bill; to unpacking stereotypes, prejudices discrimination to develop our social and personal capabilities; to taking a 180 degree turn on our learning and engaging in circuit breaker activities to practice mindfulness, such as plotting out a Strava walk, creating a dream home on Minecraft Education, creating goofy cartoons, propagating succulents and practicing Pilates. Needless to say, the 5/6s will be in definite need of a bit of R’N’R after this super term!

Civics and Citizenship

‘Changing a law is an organised, well-thought and hard-ish process. Like I couldn’t go up and change the law right here, right now, which is good!’ – Ada and Lily 5/6A

Over the past few weeks, the students have been deep-diving into Australia’s System of Government, unpacking our democratic system and exploring areas such as the separation of powers, the role of the Senate and House of Representatives all the way through to the three levels of government and how to pass a bill. ‘The senate is the upper house of the Parliament of Australia. The lower house is the house of representatives. The senate is for checking on the government when it comes to scrutinising bills, delegated legislation, government administration, and government policy in general.’ – Kitty and Audrey 5/6C

The students have gained an understanding of how the systems in place allow for greater equality as well as ensure that no one person or group can have complete control or power over another, making Australia’s democratic systems, one of the best in the world. ‘The separation of powers is a way of making sure one part of the government doesn’t have complete control over the country’ – Miles and Reuben 5/6B

The final step to understanding our government and democratic system, the students unpacked how to pass a bill and change a law. We discussed how the pandemic has meant that some ‘rules’ have changed for the health and wellbeing of the nation and the state, and how the same-sex marriage legislation in 2017 had a major impact on thier lives. 

‘I looked at the same sex marriage legalisation in 2017, because before the law came into play, two people of the same sex couldn’t legally get married, and everyone should have equal rights’ – Gabe 5/6C

Stereotypes, Discrimination and Racism

‘Stereotypes are a phrase or saying, which puts a person with a certain race, gender, religion, age, ethnicity etc in a box.’ – Aurelie 5/6D

‘Prejudice is where you form an opinion about someone or something without reason or evidence’. – Poppy 5/6B 

‘The privileges I have will help me to advocate for those not as privileged as me’. – Tom C 5/6A

To understand how stereotypes, can lead to discrimination and prejudice, the students explored examples from society, and understood the negative and positive thoughts, behvioaurs and feelings that can be tied to these concepts. The students explored how often, people show preferential treatment towards people who are like themselves and how often, discrimination is more commonly carried out by members of a dominant group towards a minority or subordinate group. ‘Some stereotypes can be negative such as ‘run like a girl’ or ‘you’re too old to do that’…’ Eva and Ela 5/6B.

The students unpacked how particular stereotypes can be attached to particular countries and explored where those stereotypes originated from. ‘Australia is a kangaroo country, this is because kangaroos are of cultural and spiritual significance to Aboriginal people across Australia’. – Kelly 5/6C

The students explored privileges they have as Australians, living in a democratic country, yet privilege is still an issue, as some people receive more privileges than others. ‘As a female student in Australia, I don’t have to worry about war or my safety, I get to have an education and a roof over my head… I know in other places people are at risk of war and in some countries women have many limits due to their gender’. – Xena 5/6B

‘Gender roles are a type of stereotype, it is the practice of ascribing an individual with specific attributes, characteristics or roles.’ – Marta 5/6D

Circuit Breakers

‘The Circuit Breaker was great to spend the day doing non-normal learning things’ – Olivia 5/6C

‘Cartooning was so fun!!!!! I REALLY hope we can do this again it was the best!!’ – Aliye 5/6D

‘I really enjoyed the workshop, because it was very interactive and engaging! I have left my succulents in my desk area for a more greenery vibe!’ – Aurelie 5/6D

In response to RUOK Day on September 9th, as well as the need to support the students’ wellbeing, the 5/6 neighbourhood embarked on their first ‘circuit breaker’ day on Wednesday 15th September. It was an opportunity for the students to choose workshops that break the same-ness of everyday remote learning, and have a go at activities that they may not usually try, or at least try them in a different setting. ‘Loved doing the tasks and going to the webex’s and having fun with new things’. Sophie 5/6B

The students were offered a choice between Minecraft with Toni, Cartooning with Robert, Strava walks with Kate, and gardening in the morning and Pilates in the afternoon with Lucy.

Despite a few glitches with the Minecraft installation; everyone had positive feedback about the day and there have already been requests to make it a more frequent occurrence next term. ‘I really enjoyed doing this work, especially with other people. I don’t usually see people from the other neighbourhood. I think this was really fun and made this remote learning all the better.’ – Mila 5/6A

‘Pilates was a great a workout and it really helped my body’ – Lucy 5/6B

‘It was so fun knowing more about how to play Minecraft, it felt weird at first, but later on I got used to it and it became more fun to play’. – Levi 5/6D

‘We tried the Strava art and we thought our walk looked like an arrow, it was harder than it looked’. Lily 5/6A

The students also enjoyed the alternative provocations that were on offer as part of the circuit breaker. Many tried their hand at damper or their own alterative, as well as sharing songs that make them feel happy, meditation tricks for calming your body and mind, and jokes that brought a smile to the face of their peers.