We hope you have all had a restful school holiday break.

In this term's edition of The Memo we are thrilled to introduce you to your new favourite book: Democracy! by Philip Bunting. This beautiful book was written in consultation with MoAD and we think it is a must-have for all teachers! Read our review below. We know you are going to love Democracy! 

Our Professional Development program continues to expand. If you can travel to Canberra next holidays we would love to see you at Exploring the Inquiry Mindset: Cultivating Cultures of Curiosity. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from international Inquiry experts Trevor MacKenzie and Jessica Vance.

If you are looking to improve your digital learning design skills, please join us online for Digital 101, a highly informative, practical session delivered in collaboration by MoAD Learning, the Parliamentary Education Office and the National Portrait Gallery.

From our team to you, we wish you all a fabulous term.

The MoAD Learning Team

Democracy!

Philip Bunting is a prolific and highly-talented Australian author and illustrator. His latest book, Democracy! was written in consultation with MoAD Learning and is the text you have been looking for! 

As teachers, we can all support students to achieve meaningful, everyday change. This brilliant new picture book is the perfect springboard for exploring Civics and Citizenship, Media Literacy and the history of our democracy in a funny and positive way. Democracy! is full of engaging, easily digestible information about the importance of young voices, and practical tips for how young people can engage in community discussions and have their voices heard. 

Learning about the democratic process, and our role within it, has never been so much fun! This book will show your students that what you say (and how you say it) has the power to change the world. 

Democracy! (Hardie Grant) was released 3rd April 2023 and is widely available across Australia (and beyond). Where will you find your copy? We love seeing your photos of the book in the wild: send a snap to us @moadlearning !

The Inquiry event of the year! 

(Well, our year at least!) We are thrilled to announce that Trevor MacKenzie and Jessica Vance are coming to Canberra!

We are just a little bit excited about this! Inquiry informs everything we do here at MoAD Learning and we are big fans of the work that both Trevor Mackenzie and Jessica Vance are doing in the Inquiry for learning and leadership spaces. If you are a local teacher, or can travel to Canberra for these two days, please join us for this very special opportunity. 

Location: Onsite at Old Parliament House, interstate teachers welcome 

Dates: Monday 10 July and Tuesday 11 July 2023

Workshop includes: resources, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, as well as a swag bag

Cost: $500 per participant + GST

Accreditation: This professional development has ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) accreditation for ten hours

Click here for all the details!

Please email us at learning@moadoph.gov.au with any questions. 

(PS. We can't wait!)

Digital Events

This term we have been busy connecting with schools from all over Australia for our free curriculum-aligned digital excursions. It is always a highlight connecting with students in their own classrooms and being able to explore some extra special spaces within our building. We have also seen some incredible political cartoons this term and heard great ideas from students about issues that matter to them. 

In addition to our suite of digital excursions and digital workshops, we have some very special events via DART Learning coming soon:

Power, People and Protest: Celebrating the Franklin River - Tuesday 20th June, 10am             Did you know that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the High Court decision to save the Franklin River? Join us as we step back in time to explore the rich debate surrounding the Franklin River and landmark High Court decision. (Year 5 - Year 10)

NAIDOC Week through picture books with author Sue Lawson - Tuesday 18th July, 10am (AEST) Join us and Sue Lawson to celebrate the power of picture books in developing inclusion and respect. Sue will read from Respect, written with Boonwurrung Elder, Aunty Fay Muir, as well as An Important Message from Mr Beaky written with Cassie Leatham and Mr Beaky.  (K - Year 6)

Register your interest here or by contacting digitalexcursions@moadoph.gov.au

Civics in Pictures

Looking for an activity for ANZAC Day? Our Dreaming Soldiers Civics in Pictures activity can be used to support your teaching around the ANZAC story, and extends students' thinking around inclusion, perspectives and being a good friend. 

Sustainability close to home

What impact does our local environment have on how we learn and play? Are there positive changes we could make to better meet the needs of our local community, and our backyard insect and bird buddies?

Below are two terrific resources to encourage your students to engage with their local environment. As the season changes to colder weather, now is a great time for students to explore their natural surroundings and reflect on what these changes might mean for local biodiversity. 

If you missed our Backyard Buddies with Andy Geppert DART Learning special you can still view it for a short time. This very special session is a great hook into sustainable practices at home, while also providing insight into Andy's creative process as an author and illustrator. 

We have been seeing plenty of sulphur-crested cockatoos and even gang-gangs around Old Parliament House this month! Our Engage with Your Local Environment matrix is packed with thought-provoking activities designed to help students build connections with fauna and flora local to their area. 

How did your school recognise Earth Day (April 22)? Celebrate World Environment Day with us on June 5. 

Term 2 MoAD Learning PD:

This term we have your PD needs covered!

Term 2 Special - Digital 101                                                                                                        Are you new to delivering via video call, or looking to improve your skills in creating digital learning experiences for your students? Discover learning design strategies and low-tech tips and tricks that will enhance your next digital presentation. Join the digital learning teams from some of Australia's leading cultural institutions (including us and our friends at the PEO and NPG) for an interactive and informative session, with a panel Q&A to answer all of your tech questions! Register at DART Learning.

Head to our Teacher Professional Development page for all the details, or contact us at digitalexcursions@moadoph.gov.au to discuss how we can tailor an option for your team.

Connect With Us!

What teachers and students are up to is our biggest inspiration - if you have ideas to share, questions, or requests for new resources we would love to hear them!

Contact us at learning@moadoph.gov.au

Follow us on Twitter @moadlearning

Join the Facebook group Australian Civics Educators' Network