Active Citizenship is the May theme in the 2025 Carey Calendar. It is also one of the seven Complex Competencies identified by Carey and other schools in collaboration with the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics project that aims to help learners thrive both at school and throughout life.
In essence, Active Citizenship involves contributing to the wellbeing of a community. We help students develop the skills, attitudes and values essential for active citizenship, such as being empathetic, respectful and responsible, engaging in dialogue and navigating diverse interests.
There are many formal and informal opportunities for students to cultivate these skills, attitudes and values through co-curricular activities, and as members of our school community. Examples from the Senior School include the RRRR (Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program), the IB CAS Program, the Year 11 Student Outdoor Leadership Program and community service groups. Classes including Year 10 Product Design Technology, Year 10 Global Health, Year 11 VCE Ancient History and Year 11 and 12 IB English B incorporate activities and content to support students to develop this Complex Competency.
In Year 10 Global Health, students undertook an inquiry-based research assignment where they critically examined global First Nations and Indigenous populations in diverse cultural and socioeconomic settings. The assignment encouraged students to navigate complex and competing interests. Students engaged in structured debates, collaborative projects and case study analysis that required them to connect across perspectives, negotiate meaning in diverse cultural contexts and articulate reasoned viewpoints. They also participated in role-play simulations and empathy mapping exercises, helping them explore how various health perspectives and cultural traditions impact people differently around the world. Through this, they developed intercultural understanding, ethical awareness and collaborative problem solving, all essential components of the competency Active Citizenship.
The IB English B classes carried out a beach clean-up at Port Melbourne beach. The activity was more than just picking up litter – it was a hands-on demonstration of active citizenship in action. Students analysed some of the rubbish collected and then wrote a persuasive piece about the importance of active citizenship by engaging with a local community, taking responsibility and working collaboratively to create positive change.
The New Metrics Project identifies five levels of Active Citizenship. The first is Community Participant, then Responsible Citizen, Active Citizen, Proactive Citizen and describes the top level as being a Community Builder. Community Builders are described as individuals who build trust and momentum within and across communities, harnessing the energy and commitment of others to make their community a better place for everyone.
With the Federal election this Saturday, we are reminded of practical ways to exercise active citizenship outside of school. Casting an informed vote and accepting the outcome aligns with the level of Responsible Citizen, and many current and past Carey students could be described as Community Builders, having been candidates for election and active supporters of a range of candidates and political parties.
Regardless of the level we each achieve, it is important to recognise the value of making our communities better places for everyone. There are also many opportunities to practice active citizenship beyond school, such as joining sporting teams, community and volunteer organisations.
Graeme Young
Acting Head of Senior School
