During the run-up to the federal election, all of High School had an introduction to federal politics, voting and the Westminster System during English lessons. Students got to know the political spectrum – including factions! – and what each political party, as well as some individuals as Independents, stands for.

We explored electorates, boundaries, all aspects of voting, the difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate, why we have an opposition leader and a shadow government, and why prime ministers have been predominantly male. We had discussions, watched videos and analysed the latest political cartoons.

Students asked loads of questions, and I was so impressed by their enthusiasm – they were really keen to learn about this most complex of systems.

After researching what each candidate stood for in our Federal electorate of Macquarie, Year 7 ‘voted’ in class on the Friday before the election. On Monday, students tallied the votes. Ironically, Labor was first past the post, but once we took the students’ preferences into account, The Greens won the day. As the results from the election continue to straggle in, our conversations continue.

Stephanie Dawes High School English and Technology Teacher

Stephanie has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (COFA, UNSW), a Bachelor of Communications (UTS) and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Monash). She has a pre-teaching background in the arts, public affairs and publishing, and taught in London and Sydney before joining Kindlehill in 2017.