Global Education - Senior Study of Society Rationale

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The intention of this rationale is to discuss the value of implementing global education into the school’s Study of Society senior work program. Therefore, this rationale will outline the focus of the curriculum initiative, address its significance, demonstrate how to implement the initiative into Study of Society, and why senior students would find it interesting and worthwhile. To address these areas the rationale will draw on the initiative itself, and will apply the initiative to the Study of Society senior syllabus (Queensland Board of Senior Secondary School Studies [QBSSSS], 2000) and Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs [MCEETYA], 2008). Global education is an initiative that encourages the development and promotion of attitudes and skills required to value and protect the people of this world and the environment. This involves examining and understanding global problems (such as climate change, genocide, conflict and famine), history, and cultural diversity. The world in which we live is ever evolving, and challenging past views and knowledge. It is becoming ever more interconnected and interdependent. This is evident by examining trade policy, travel and tourism trends, Internet accessibility, and global politics REF. We are living in a global world, which transcends boundaries extending beyond the local and national communities. On a broader scope, the initiative provides a framework that focuses on peace, diversity and sustainability. The focus of global education links closely to the global aims of the Study of Society syllabus. The global aims describe how students should develop, understand, examine and appre... ... middle of paper ... ...ciated with global education, within senior Study of Society, would find it significant, interesting, and a worthwhile experience as it allows the exploration of topical, current events and issues. Through an inquiry approach, the students have the opportunity to become empowered, to develop empathy, to be informed, and to explore beyond their own ethnocentrism; maintaining their interest and motivation. Global Perspectives: a framework for global education in Australian schools (2008) states that by developing these skills students can “contribute to, and benefit from, such diversity in the Australian community and internationally” (p.3). The significant, worthwhile experience for the students becomes apparent through their continued engagement in global affairs and their capacity to be active and informed citizens and life long learners in a globalising world.

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