Everyone Has the Right to Be Treated Equally

Magna Carta has had an enduring legacy that has shaped the human rights and freedoms that all Australians enjoy today. In particular, Magna Carta advanced ideas of freedom, justice and the rule of law, principles which have become enshrined in our democracy.

Developed in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission, the following units explore the rights and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively and responsibly participate in their democracy.

These resources are designed to assist students in building a critical understanding of human rights and responsibilities, and to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills to apply human rights in everyday life.

The Story of Our Freedom

To mark the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta, the Australian Human Rights Commission has created a series of online educational resources which explore the evolution of human rights since 1215 and the impact that Magna Carta has had on our human rights and freedoms in Australia.

The digital resources – including an interactive infographic, a short animated video and accompanying teacher resources (us!) – have been mapped to the Australian Curriculum for History and Civics and Citizenship for Years 5 and 6 and Years 9 and 10.

Lesson Highlights

Human Rights in Our Community – Social Action – Years 7 – 10

Students will consider actions that they can take in their local community to ensure that human rights are enjoyed by all people. Students will explore what human rights are, and research some of the work being done to address human rights issues.
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Constitutional Referendum in Action – Year 7

Civics
In a role play activity, students will gain a deeper understanding of the process of a constitutional referendum. They will learn about making changes to the Australian Constitution.
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Democratic Dissent
– Year 8

Civics
Students will conduct research into two groups that struggled for the right to vote in Australia: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and women.
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Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 9

History
Students will engage in a Socratic Seminar to discuss the influence of Charles Perkins on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ struggle for rights and freedoms.
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Primary and Secondary Units

Magna Carta – The story of our freedom – Years 5&6, 9&10

Magna Carta has an enduring legacy that has shaped the human rights and freedoms that all Australians enjoy today. Magna Carta advanced ideas of freedom, justice and the rule of law, principles which have become enshrined in our democracy.
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Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 7

This unit explores key features of the Australian government, and how those systems act to protect the rights and freedoms of all Australians.
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Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 8

This unit explores the rights and freedoms of citizens and how Australians can actively and responsibly participate in their democracy.
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Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 9

This unit explores systems of government and how rights and freedoms are enshrined within them.
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Story of Our Rights and Freedoms – Year 10

This unit explores the significant transformation that the modern world underwent throughout the twentieth century, with a specific focus on the demand for and realisation of rights and freedoms.
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With Thanks to Our Partner

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These resources have been developed in partnership with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

 

© 2021 Australian Human Rights Commission and Cool Australia.

Cool Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to land, water and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.