OUR PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
In our programme we offer a core course of taught workshops alongside a party simulation. Each workshop has a focus on a different topic, with the party groups using information delivered during class to develop their political parties at the end of each workshop. The final workshop offers a chance for the parties to show off their work to the other groups through a leaders’ debate. The course finishes with a mock election. We provide every student with their own workbook they can use to answer questions, do activities in, or help consolidate their learning.
Workshop Outlines
Students will understand the roles of Parliament and Government in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as how the electoral system works.
This workshop begins with an introduction to politics and civics, helping students connect politics to their own lives. It introduces Parliament and Government to students, outlining the roles of the two institutions, and their similarities and differences. The workshop then turns to cover a basic overview of Aotearoa New Zealand’s electoral system, MMP. Students will look at general and Māori electorates, and differences between list and electorate MPs. In this workshop, students will form their own political parties, choose a name, logo, and leaders.
Students will understand the basics of policy, and how policy is turned into law.
This workshop introduces students to the concept of ‘policy’. Students then explore their own views on a range of policies. The workshop then turns to the law-making process – how policy becomes law. Students are guided through the parliamentary process, with the class undertaking an activity that sees them transform their own policies into law.
Students will understand the historical context of te Tiriti/the Treaty, the major differences between the documents, and their modern usage.
This workshop asks students to discuss their prior knowledge of Te Tiriti/The Treaty. They consider various motivations of signers, who those documents signers were, and consequences arising from the signing of Te Tiriti/the Treaty. Key differences between the articles of the two documents are outlined and students are asked to consider what issues may arise from mistranslations. Students then explore the impact of te Tiriti/the Treaty in New Zealand politics, in particular the role the Principles of the Treaty play in politics. In their party groups students will draft an environmental policy that incorporates at least one of the Treaty principles into their policy in their groups.
Students will understand the role of local government in New Zealand’s political landscape and engage with local government processes.
This workshop helps students to learn about the structure and function of local government in our communities. Students will explore the differences between local and central government, particularly in relation to the responsibilities of each type of government. The workshop then looks at how students can get involved in local government. In addition, students will have guest visitors from the local council.
Students will demonstrate their learning over the prior four weeks.
During this workshop, the leaders of each party will get the opportunity to debate their policies, seeking the votes of the audience. This will allow them to demonstrate their learning throughout the prior four weeks. The format of the debate will allow for each leader to have short opening and closing speeches, as well as substantial policy debate. Students that are not debating will have the opportunity to ask questions of the party leaders. Voting will follow the conclusion of the debate, and students will then negotiate to form a Government.
For more information, have a read through our 2022 prospectus and get in touch:
For more information, have a read through our 2022 prospectus and get in touch:
The Generation Vote Trust of Aotearoa is a registered charity (CC59021).