Magna Carta - The story of our freedom

Primary
Year 5 - 6
Humanities and Social Sciences
History
Civics and Citizenship
Social
Equality
Human Rights
Leadership
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Lesson summary

Students will explore the evolution of democratic ideas and principles stemming from Magna Carta. They will understand how these ideas have shaped key features of Australian democracy, such as the values of freedom, equality, fairness and justice.

Learning intentions:

Students will...

explore the historical concept of Absolute Monarchy through role-play.

identify the ideas about rights and freedoms that emerged during the Age of Enlightenment.

undertake research about one of three groups in Australia who historically have struggled to receive recognition of their rights: women, migrants and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

explore rights and freedoms in Australia today.

create a Classroom Charter of Rights and Responsibilities.

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson Plan

Student Worksheet

Teacher Content Info

Lesson details

Curriculum mapping

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Year 5 Humanities and Social Sciences:

The key values that underpin Australia’s democracy (ACHASSK115)
Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions (ACHASSI105)

Year 6 Humanities and Social Sciences:

Key figures, events and ideas that led to Australia’s Federation and Constitution (ACHASSK134)
Experiences of Australian democracy and citizenship, including the status and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, migrants, women and children (ACHASSK135)
The key institutions of Australia’s democratic system of government and how it is based on the Westminster system (ACHASSK143)
Present ideas, findings, viewpoints and conclusions in a range of texts and modes that incorporate source materials, digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms and conventions (ACHASSI133)

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Ethical understanding, Personal and social capability

Australian Curriculum cross-curriculum priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture OI.9

Syllabus Outcomes: HT3-3, HT3-4, HT3-5.

Time required: 4 x 60 mins, plus 20 mins homework reflection activity.

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – facilitate student activities.

Additional info

To mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, the Australian Human Rights Commission has partnered with Cool Australia to help students develop their understanding about the evolution of human rights since 1215 and the impact that Magna Carta has had on our human rights and freedoms in Australia today.

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