Civics Education: Why It’s Easier to Teach When You Use a Parliament of Animals
Civics education is essential for young Australians. It helps them understand how their government works, their rights and responsibilities as citizens, and how they can participate in shaping their country’s future.
In democracies like Australia, informed and engaged citizens are crucial for maintaining a fair, just, and functioning society. Teaching civics to children ensures they grow up with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities and keep politics honest!
But it’s hard to teach because, well, it can be a bit boring. That’s why I came up with The Parliament of Animals.
More on that in a moment. Firstly, just what is civics education?
What is Civics Education?
Civics education teaches students about government systems, laws, citizenship rights, and democratic values. In Australia, it covers:
But why is this so important?
Encouraging Active and Informed Participation
One of the main goals of civics education is to create informed citizens who actively participate in democracy. By learning about voting, government structures, and policy-making, children grow into adults who engage in elections, debate important issues, and advocate for positive change.
When young Australians understand how their vote impacts laws, policies, and leadership, they are more likely to take part in elections rather than disengage. This is crucial in a country where voting is compulsory, as informed voting strengthens democracy.
But that’s only part of the picture. There’s a lot more to it.
Protecting Democracy and Preventing Misinformation
In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads quickly. Without a solid foundation in civics, young people may struggle to differentiate between credible information and false narratives about politics and governance.
By teaching civics early, we equip children with the critical thinking skills needed to analyse political claims, question biases, and make informed decisions.
A strong civics education also helps prevent apathy and cynicism toward politics. When young people understand how the system works and how they can influence it, they are less likely to feel powerless or disengaged.
Promoting Social Cohesion and Inclusion
Australia is a diverse nation with people from various cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. Civics education fosters inclusivity by teaching students about different perspectives, Indigenous history, and human rights. It encourages respect for different opinions, peaceful discussions, and empathy—essential skills for a harmonious society.
Understanding civics also helps combat discrimination and prejudice. When children learn about the struggles for equality and justice, such as Indigenous rights movements or gender equality efforts, they become more aware of ongoing social issues and the importance of fairness for all Australians.
Developing Leadership and Advocacy Skills
Civics education doesn’t just prepare young Australians to vote—it also equips them to become leaders, activists, and change makers. Whether through student councils, community projects, or social justice initiatives, civics education inspires students to take action on issues they care about.
So how do we teach our children all that, and expect them to say awake long enough to understand and remember it all?
Introducing….
The Parliament of Animals
If you haven’t guessed yet, I am passionate about students learning about civics. So much so, I run a unique workshop called The Parliament of Animals where students or student leaders learn these skills in a more meaningful and exciting way.
During this half-day exploration, I play the part of a town mayor. Hypothetical developers are proposing a bridge across the river in a rainforest village, and I call a town meeting to discuss it, inviting human and non-human residents.
Through five ‘acts’, students are allocated a character, research their character’s needs, and explore their character through drama workshops. They then present their perspective at the town gathering before voting for or against the bridge takes place. The day ends with a discussion of civics, through both an Australian and global lens. Would you like me to lead this Parliament in YOUR school? Download the Parliament of Animals flyer here.
The Future of Civics Education in Australia
Despite its importance, civics education sometimes takes a backseat to other subjects like maths and science. In fact, Australian students just recorded the lowest ever result of civics knowledge in a recent study. Some teachers are calling for an immediate update to the national curriculum to address the shortfall of knowledge.
As The Conversation reports, ‘ If civics education is going to be effective, it should acknowledge young people already have an interest and a stake in politics, focus on where they get their information, and involve them in how civics education is designed and delivered.’
By investing in civics education today, Australia ensures a more informed, inclusive, and democratic future for generations to come. And only with a focus on civics can we combat the political wave of misinformation causing ripples around the world.
Reach out if you would like me to help!