Why are year 6 learning about Citizenship and History?

Welcome parents and carers to our first Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) blog 😀

This year in HASS your students will be learning about Citizenship within the context of Australian history. HASS is a subject whose value is often underrated in Australian society. This is likely due to the fact that history was once taught dryly and based solely on dates and facts. However, Citizenship through History education can be highly engaging and, in the coming term, I plan to shape it into something that your children can be passionate about. 

What knowledge out skills are the students gaining from Citizenship and History learning?

A significant requirement of the Australian Curriculum is that year 6 students develop knowledge on “Australian democracy and citizenship” focussing on the rights of groups who have been disadvantaged, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (A/TSI people) (ACARA 2015). In learning about Citizenship in the context of Aboriginal Australian History students can build on skills of empathy and respect for other cultures (Claire 2004). They can also develop critical skills in learning how and where to find legitimate historical data. Delving into the past and comparing it to the now will give students a well informed sense of what they believe the future should look like. After researching many sides of a story, students can form opinions and share those opinions, building a sense of agency and a thirst for enacting change in their community.

Figure 1: We say sorry

How are the students learning this term?

To gain an understanding of the issues A/TSI people face, your children will be visiting the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to learn about Tasmanian Aboriginal history and culture. The focus or "theme" of their learning will be around people who suffered as a result of The Stolen Generation. Basing HASS learning on a relevant theme can aid in "inquiry skills", knowledge on "sources of evidence" and empathy (Gilbert & Hoepper 2017). Students will build on that knowledge during the coming weeks through class discussion and personal research. Students will discuss how these issues still effect the Tasmanian Aboriginal community today. They will also learn how, as Australian citizens, they have the power to effect change for the Tasmanian Aboriginal community through methods such as voting and activism. Research shows that linking HASS learning to real life issues is beneficial to promote active citizenship (Reynolds 2009). 

Figure 2: Stolen generation

How can you support your child's learning? 

So, what can you do to support your child’s learning in Citizenship through History? Namely, you can encourage their questions and support an interest in news, media and Australian history. Take them out to relevant events in the community such as: a Sorry Day Celebration or a Change the Date rally to encourage empathy and interest in active citizenship. Take part in the "speaking and listening" method (Cooper 2006). Share your opinions with them while also listening and showing respect for their opinions.

Figure 3: 10th Anniversary 

Thank you for taking the time to read,

Belinda Miller
Year 6 HASS

References

                    ACARA. (2015). Australian Curriculum: Humanities and Social Sciences. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/humanities-and-social-sciences/
                    Cooper, H. (2006). History 3-11: A guide for teachers. Abingdon, Oxon: David Fulton Publishers Ltd.
                    Gilbert, R., & Hoepper, B. (Eds.). (2017). Teaching Humanities and Social Sciences: History, Geography, Economics and Citizenship (6th edn.). Southbank, VIC: Cengage Learning.                              H. Claire (ed.) Teaching Citizenship in Primary Schools (Learning Matters, 2004): 129
                    Reynolds, R. (2009). Teaching Studies of Society & Environment in the Primary School. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
                   

Appendices

                    Figure 1: McDougall, W. (2018, February 13). We say sorry: 10 years since the apology to the Stolen Generations. Retrieved from: https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/blogs/we-say-sorry-10-years-apology-stolen-generations

                    Figure 2: Smale, A. (2018, March 19). Sorry means you don't do it again. Retrieved from: https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/19-03-2018/sorry-means-you-dont-do-it-again/
                    Figure 3: Behind the News. (February 12, 2018). 10th Anniversary since the Apology to the Stolen Generations - Behind the News. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE7hCCO9jv8