Parliament of Wizards to make learning about Federal Parliament fun
31st August, 2009
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss has released an educational CD ROM, Parliament of Wizards for use in primary school classrooms.“Parliament of Wizards is a useful tool for primary school teachers, designed to encourage interest and provide information about the principles of Australia’s Parliamentary democracy by exploring the structures, roles, responsibilities and decision making processes of the Australian Federal Parliament,” Mr Truss said.
Parliament of Wizards was prepared by the Parliamentary Education Office. It has been trialled at schools across Australia, including Jones Hill State School, Gympie.
“The Parliament of Wizards program encourages learning by promoting the principles of our system of government in a fun and creative way by capturing the student's imagination through a range of exercises.”
In the program, a Parliament is run by noble and altruistic wizards who strive to reach for the highest ideals of their democratic system.
The students, as wizards, are presented with the challenge of representation and decision making on behalf of the citizens of the wizard world.
“Parliament of Wizards can help students to understand why parliaments play a fundamental role in maintaining peace and good order in a democratic society,” Mr Truss said.
Through the program, students will consider:
• how parliaments operate and by what authority;
• the work of parliamentary representatives;
• how governing power and responsibility is shared;
• how differences of opinion can be resolved;
• how changes to legislation are made; and
• the right to demand and expect good governance.
“Parliament of Wizards is available from my office by contacting 1300 301 968 or through the website www.warrentruss.com.”
