Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students will consider the role of citizens in leading legislative reform and learn about the parliamentary process in law-making. They will discuss complex legal issues as they pertain to the coward punch and form arguments and opinions on legislative reform.
The STOP the Coward Punch education package aims to spread awareness about the devastating effects of the coward punch on our community. This education package was developed by a team of experts, including a youth worker, education specialist and specialist teachers and references the latest research and laws on coward punches.
Learning intentions:
- Students will understand the evolution of coward punch legislation
- Students will understand the foundations of how laws are made in Australia
- Students will understand the role citizens can play in legislative reform.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Year 10 Civics and Citizenship:
- The challenges to and ways of sustaining a resilient democracy and cohesive society (ACHCK094)
- Critically evaluate information and ideas from a range of sources in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS097)
- Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS101)
- Reflect on their role as a citizen in Australian, regional and global contexts (ACHCS102)
Syllabus outcomes: N/A
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards:
Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. Students develop and present evidence-based arguments incorporating different points of view on civics and citizenship issues. They use appropriate texts, subject-specific language and concepts. They evaluate ways they can be active and informed citizens in different contexts.
Topic: Social Issues
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: Civics and Citizenship – Years 7 to 10.
Time required: 60 mins class time plus 45 mins flipped learning.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – teacher will facilitate class discussions and some activities.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Related professional development: Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Behaviours
Keywords: coward punch, laws, legislation, legislative reform, law-making, one punch, manslaughter, minimum sentence, case study, aggravated assault
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
