1.1 Civics and Citizenship - Teaching a controversial issue

Our diverse community

Hello parents and carers of 4A! Thank you for providing us with your family’s ancestry and religious beliefs last week, we will be using this valuable information over the next few weeks as we investigate ‘Our Diverse Community’. During this unit we are exploring the unique cultural, religious and social groups that shape our vibrant community, where students will discover what makes the character of their neighbourhood special and how their appreciation of diversity can be expressed globally. Your child will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the active role they play in civics and citizenship, a learning area of Humanities and Social Sciences [HASS].

Why we are learning 

Traditionally, this type of subject matter can be somewhat sensitive or even controversial, although taking an educational approach allows children to control their learning and construct meaning by exploring cultural and religious ideas over a variety of disciplines, particularly within HASS. 

While studying ‘Our Diverse Community’, students will build valuable skills and extend their knowledge through questioning, research, analysis, communication, evaluation and reflection. As our class comprehends values and rights, challenges stereotypes and preconceptions, they gain social awareness, including intercultural and ethical understanding. Our students will create meaningful connections to HASS and strengthen their proficiency in what the Australian Curriculum terms ‘general capabilities’. These capabilities help children achieve learning outcomes, become confident individuals and active and informed citizens. 

How we are learning 

The lessons that evolve through this study are highly exploratory and collaborative, where students are encouraged to make meaning from engaging as active learners. As students establish individual interpretations of our community, they will perform role plays, listen to guest speakers, work together to research ideas and communicate and reflect upon their findings. 

We will explore ideas such as: 

• How are our cultures similar; how are they different? 
• How important is it for people to be able to practice their own beliefs and values? 
• How do our different cultures contribute to and shape the community? 
• What other cultures are there around the world that might not be represented in our class?

How can I help? 

In the modern world, religion and cultures are encountering one another on a scale never known before, as such, this topic needs to be approached in a contemporary way. Children should be encouraged to be curious, to question and reflect and be assured there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers.

As parents and carers, you have an important role to play in our school community, and when classroom learning is explored in the home environment, you can help to engage your child in their education, support positive behaviour and learning outcomes.

Big thanks to some of our parents who have kindly given up their time to come into the class next week to talk about their culture and traditions with us.