Education for remote schools

The Northern Territory Electoral Commission has an education program specifically for Aboriginal students in remote schools. This program uses English as a second language (ESL) teaching techniques including simple and relevant visuals, known identities and hands-on learning activities to develop an understanding of the following key areas of the upper primary and middle years curriculum for Civics and Citizenship:

• The key values that underpin Australia's democracy - meaning of democracy.
• The key features of the electoral process in Australia – secret ballot, compulsory voting, elections that are open, free and fair, who has right to vote and stand for election.
• The roles and responsibilities of Australia’s three levels of government.
• Responsibilities of electors and representatives in Australia’s democracy.
• How citizens can participate in Australia’s democracy – use of electoral system, contact with elected representatives.

The program includes a mock election and vote counting exercise. It is suitable for upper primary, middle and senior students and delivery is tailored accordingly.