What would it mean for Australia to become a republic?
That was the question put to a group of TKS students from Years 9 to 11 when they attended the Local Parliamentary Convention at Kingswood College on Tuesday 27 October.
Part of the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program, the Convention gave students an opportunity to explore the question Should Australia become a republic? through guest speakers, discussion, debate and, ultimately, a parliamentary-style vote.
Students heard a range of perspectives from guest speakers Associate Professor Bart Ziino, an Australian history scholar at Deakin University, and Tomas Lightbody, former Deputy Mayor for Manningham and member of the Greens Party.
But this was much more than simply listening to the experts.
Students were challenged to consider the issue for themselves, formulate their own position and work alongside students from other schools to develop their ideas. They also took part in question time with the guest speakers before preparing their final presentations and casting their votes.
The experience provided a practical way for students to explore how different perspectives are considered, challenged and communicated within our democratic system, while encouraging them to think critically and confidently articulate their own views.
For our students, it was a valuable opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom, engage with a significant national question and discover that thoughtful debate isn’t necessarily about everyone reaching the same conclusion. Sometimes, the most valuable learning comes from hearing a different point of view.
