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SCHOOLS’
CONVENTIONS PROGRAM
The Schools’ Conventions Program (Students Making A Difference) began
as the Schools’ Constitutional Conventions Program, an initiative of the
Constitutional Centenary Foundation. It was designed to raise public awareness
about the Australian Constitution in the years leading up to the Centenary of
Federation in 2001. The popularity of the program resulted in its continuation
beyond the Centenary of Federation.
Programs at the state level are aimed mainly at year 11 students, although some
schools encourage students in earlier years, particularly year 10, to attend.
Students are addressed by guest speakers, often a Member of Parliament or other
expert on constitutional matters, who raise issues for the students to consider.
Students can ask questions from the floor, before moving off into small discussion
groups. The groups share the results of their discussions, then conduct a mock
referendum on the issue. Participants in the Regional Conventions are then eligible
to apply to attend the State Constitutional Convention.
The State Constitutional Conventions are held each year at the Parliament of Victoria. The main proceedings take place in the Legislative Assembly Chamber in Parliament House.
Students who participate in the State Convention have the opportunity to apply to attend the National Convention for the following year.
Proceedings of the State Conventions are available for download:
| 2008 | The Australian citizenship test should be abolished (PDF 255Kb, MSWord 341Kb) |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Future Victorian power generation plans should include a nuclear energy option. (PDF 346Kb, MSWord 652Kb) |
| 2006 | The Australian Government's anti-terrorrism legislation is undemocratic. It should be repealed. (PDF 213Kb, MSWord 221Kb) |
| 2005 | Should Victoria have a charter of human rights? (PDF 203Kb, MSWord 213Kb) |
| 2004 | Should our rights and civil liberties be protected by the Australian constitution? (PDF 212Kb, MSWord 200Kb) |
| 2003 | Do Democratic Rights Begin at 18? (PDF 245Kb, MSWord 289Kb) |
| 2002 | Victorian Upper House Reform (PDF 118Kb) |
| 2001 | Reconciliation (PDF 124Kb) |
| 2000 | Bill of Rights (PDF 124Kb) |
| 1999 | Head of State (PDF 164Kb) |
Further enquiries and information:
Rod Espie, Education & Community Engagement Officer on (03) 8682 2653 Fax (03) 8682 2900
Department of
Education and early Childhood Development website:
http://www.education.vic.gov.
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