Civics and Citizenship

How do students in Asia participate in their communities? What values and traditions do we share? With which countries? Provide your students with opportunities to compare and contrast attitudes and practices in relation to citizenship throughout the region. Make connections with History by investigating the similarities and differences in political and legal systems in the countries of Asia over time. Discuss what global citizenship means within the context of our relationships with our nearest neighbours.

The national curriculum

Civics and citizenship education is a priority within the Australian curriculum. Within History, the connection is described as follows: ‘The teaching of civics is commonly linked with history. It allows students to follow the emergence of key principles of citizenship, the arguments they engendered, the changing institutional forms of government and civil society, and the circumstances in which they have flourished or failed. The skills of historical understanding equip students to make informed and morally responsible judgments’ (The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: History). Watch this space for further connections.

Focus on CCE

CCE resources

In Our Own Backyard: Connecting to Global Issues in Our Region

Explore themes such as the impact of global trade and manufacture, natural disaster responses, environmental responsibilities and shifts in cultural identity.

CrossCurrents: Discovering Civics and Citizenship in Our Region

This History/SOSE resource is a collection of readings providing cultural and historical perspectives in Asian contexts.

Into India: Spinning a Nation

Designed for teachers of Years 10 and 11 Politics and History, this resource explores the recent political history of India.

CCE student activities

Student activity: Volunteers in Singapore

Students explore avenues for civic involvement available in Singapore and across the Asian region.View more

Student activity: Clean the Ganges campaign

Students investigate the challenges of improving the water quality of the Ganges river.View more

Student activities: National Symbols and Identity of Korea

The national flag and national flower of Korea are used as examples of symbols of national identity.View more

Professional learning for teachers

Click to find professional learning related to teaching History, CCE, SOSE and themes such as globalisation.

Websites we like

The Civics and Citizenship Education website is Australia’s pre-eminent civics and citizenship education portal, containing resources, infomation, activities and links for teachers, students and parents.

Download Civics and Citizenship Lesson Plans

Economics/SOSE Unit: Regional Communities – Building a Sustainable Future

Explore Australia’s role as part of a regional community in what has been described by some as ‘the Asian century’.View more

History Unit: The Power of One – The Power of Many: Nation Building

Focus on the stories of Mahatma Gandhi and Mao Zedong, exploring notions of leadership and nation building.View more

CCE Unit: Voices and Values: Citizens – You and Me

Explore core universal values and rights, aspects of citizenship and the development of intercultural understandings and skills.View more

English Unit: Our Region, Our Home

Access current Asian media as well as other resources, focusing on environmental issues in the region and preparing an oral report.View more

Culture/SOSE Unit: Voices and Visions Australia/Asia

Look at cultural identity through the eyes of young people and explore the issues of social cohesion and diversity and the impact of ever-increasing globalisation.View more

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Ameeta Wattal, Principal, Springdales School, New Delhi

‘Students at Springdales establish connections with and visit other schools and organisations around the world.’