Activity Introduction
Quick summary: In this lesson, students will learn about the core philosophies underpinning the Australian justice system, including rates of re-offending. They will consider different viewpoints and develop statements that advocate for the interests of parties involved in criminal matters.
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 understand the principles behind retributive and restorative justice
- Students understand the concept of recidivism and how it affects the Australian justice system
- Students understand the various purposes and functions of sentencing.
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)
- Account for different interpretations and points of view (ACHCS098)
- Recognise and consider multiple perspectives and ambiguities, and use strategies to negotiate and resolve contentious issues (ACHCS099)
- Present evidence-based civics and citizenship arguments using subject-specific language (ACHCS101)
Syllabus outcomes: N/A
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding
Relevant parts of Year 10 achievement standards:
Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies. When researching, students evaluate a range of questions to investigate Australia’s legal systems and critically analyse information gathered from different sources for relevance, reliability and omission. They account for and evaluate different interpretations and points of view on civics and citizenship issues. When planning for action, students take account of multiple perspectives and ambiguities. Students develop and present evidence-based arguments incorporating different points of view on civics issues
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: 80 mins class time plus 70 mins flipped learning.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – teacher will need to introduce and clarify key concepts and monitor/support group work and presentations.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student devices with internet capability
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Related professional development: Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Behaviours
Keywords: recidivism, retributive justice, restorative justice, coward punch, law, victim, perpetrator, rights, advocacy, crime, repeat offending
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
