What Does It Really Mean to Be an Australian Citizen?

It is important for all Australian citizens to understand our responsibilities and privileges, whether we are Australian by birth or by choice. 

But what does it mean to be an Australian citizen, and what values do we collectively hold as being fundamental to our national identity?

This set of task cards explores various situations that students may find themselves in during the course of their everyday lives. Through a series of guided questions, students can reflect upon each situation and brainstorm how the character at the centre of the scenario might embody Australia’s citizenship values through their actions.

Here is one example:

A boy at your school is the principal’s son. He often skips school, but is rarely handed down a consequence like the other students who break the same school rule.

How does Rule of Law apply to this scenario, and what action should be taken?

Multiple Applications for These Australian Citizenship Task Cards

Use these task cards to enhance learning through whole-class lessons, group activities or independent reflection.

Whole-class Discussion

Display the task cards on your interactive whiteboard. Use guiding questions to promote exploration of each scenario, such as:

• Has anyone ever been in this situation before?
• How did the situation make you feel?
• How might the person embody Australia’s citizenship values through their actions?

You might like to use a prop that can be passed around to indicate whose turn it is to contribute to the discussion.

Group Drama Activity

Divide the class into groups and provide each group with a task card. Have the students develop, rehearse and present a group role play that summarises the scenario and includes strategies for how the character in the scenario might embody Australia’s citizenship values through their actions.

Individual Reflection

Provide each student with a different scenario card. Have the students write a written response explaining how they think the person in the scenario should act, and how this embodies the values of Australian citizenship. Share the responses as a class.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource.

Print on cardboard for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

This resource was created by Amy Adam, a Teach Starter collaborator.

Click below for more great resources to enhance your Civics and Citizenship lessons!

[resource:4965467] [resource:4966399] [resource:645928]