Our CPS Parliamentary Program is underpinned by the Civics and Citizenship Curriculum, as part of the Victorian Curriculum. Through this program, students in Years 3 - 6 have the opportunity to make the decisions that matter to them most, leading changes and improvements that enhance the schooling experience for all students - both present and future. These changes can relate to teaching and learning, programs, facilities or even their school uniform!
Proposed changes or improvements are suggested at a Cabinet Meeting comprising a member of the Principal Team and Year 6 Ministers, who are responsible for different portfolios, such as wellbeing, technology, arts, environment, education and community. Cabinet members collaboratively consider proposed changes, and whether or not they should be taken to CPS Parliament. If a proposed change proceeds to the House of Representatives, then the ministers responsible prepare a bill, which is shared with all Year 6 students, who use the bill to form an opinion and prepare arguments and possible rebuttals.
If a bill passes through the House of Representatives, it then travels to the Senate, which comprises select students in Years 3, 4 and 5. If a bill passes at both the House of Representatives and the Senate, then the Year 6 Ministers responsible present their bill at School Council, which is signed off by our School Council President (Governor General) and is implemented at Canterbury Primary School.
Recent bills that have passed through CPS Parliament include, but are not limited to:
This process provides students with real-life opportunities to engage in law-making, debate and preferential voting, which is how our Year 6 Ministers are elected. Our CPS Parliamentary Program culminates in a special Year 6 Camp to Canberra, which provides students with an opportunity to apply, compare and most importantly, celebrate their learning.