Students’ Greek and Australian democracy tour

The Victorian Parliament Spring St., Melbourne. Photo: Supplied

Victoria.- A group of Victorian school students will embark on an immersive study tour of democracy in Melbourne and Canberra during the Term 1 school holidays, supported by the government.

The tour will investigate ancient Greek philosophy to the arts, modern civic studies, court processes, and politics, to science.

“It is dynamic exploration of modern democracy and what it means for young Australians,” according to the Victorian government’s site.

Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins announced 22 students have been selected to take part in this year’s Premier’s Spirit of Democracy study tour.

“The Premier’s Spirit of Democracy study tour is a great opportunity for students to develop a deep understanding of the origins and principles of our democracy, as well as consider how they can create positive change in their communities,” Hutchins said.

The study tour gives students from government, Catholic and independent schools the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of civics and citizenship, including the role ancient Greece has played in the origins of Australian democracy and, in turn, helped shape and influence our contemporary society.

The minister of education said that the tour seeks to challenge students and “to think creatively and critically and to develop the skills they need to become leaders – and this tour will do exactly that, strengthening their own voices and leadership skills.”

The students will be supervised by four teachers on the tour and will be encouraged to share their insights and experience with their peers and wider school community upon returning.

The tour will take place in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory from 13 to 19 April 2023, during the Term 1 holidays.

The Premier’s Spirit of Democracy program appeals to students with an interest in civics and citizenship, history, philosophy, legal studies, and English – as well as those with a broad interest in developing leadership skills.

To be selected for the tour, students had to submit entries that responded to a statement exploring the ability of young people to drive change by drawing on the ideas of classical Greek thinkers and reformers, like Cleisthenes and Solon.

Students submitted their entries in a range of formats – including an essay or creative writing piece, audio or video presentation, musical composition, or artwork.

For more information and how to apply visit education.vic.gov.au