School Parliaments

Schools parliaments provide an opportunity for students to participate in the running of their primary school and are a vehicle for them to express their opinions and participate actively in decision making.

• Are based on the Australian system of government
• Include students democratically elected to positions such as Prime Minister, portfolio ministers, Whip and Speaker, parliamentary secretaries, Members of the Opposition.
• Follow procedures similar to those of the Australian Parliament such as moving and debating motions, question time, speech making, voting and petitions.

• School Parliaments directly link with the K-6 Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) Syllabus. The Stage 3 content for the Social Systems and Structures stand includes: State and Federal government structures and the relationship between them; processes by which laws are made and changed; electoral processes; contribution of groups, movements, policies and laws to the development of fairness and social justice in Australia.
• School Parliaments give students an understanding and appreciation of Australia's system of government and civic life and helps them acquire the skills and values necessary for informed and active participation in civic life.
• School Parliaments encourage participation by all students. Students are encouraged to recognise the need for change and to make active and informed decisions.
• HSIE/Civics and Citizenship education encourages participation in the democratic process and therefore prepares students and builds confidence. School parliaments provide opportunities for students to practice the theory of HSIE/Civics and Citizenship education. Civics and Citizenship education links to the key learning area of Human Society and its Environment.

Discovering Democracy is a Commonwealth program that provides materials to assist teachers to prepare young people to become effective and responsible citizens.

Discovering Democracy materials help students to learn about Australia's democratic heritage and the values underpinning it, including equality, liberty, fairness, trust mutual respect and social cooperation.

School Parliaments can help make leadership accessible to all students in a school. Examples of how schools have implemented school parliaments are illustrated through case studies on the NSW Discovering Democracy website.