Year 6 Students Explores Parliament House
There’s something quite special about seeing learning come to life and that’s exactly what happened when our Year 6 students stepped into the heart of Western Australia’s democracy.
As part of their Humanities & Social Sciences studies this term, students embarked on a rich and engaging excursion to Parliament House and the Constitution Centre. The excursion gave them the chance to connect their classroom learning with the real world.Â
Inside Parliament House: Where Decisions Are Made
Walking through the doors of Parliament House, students were instantly immersed in a place where history, leadership, and decision-making happen. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at how laws are debated and shaped, something that can feel quite abstract in a textbook but suddenly becomes very real when you’re sitting in the very rooms where it all happens.
Students toured the chambers and explored important parliamentary features, including the ceremonial mace, a powerful symbol of authority within the legislative process. Along the way, they gained insight into how the systems operate, building on their classroom learning in a way that felt both tangible and engaging.
Because it was a non-sitting day, students had a rare opportunity to sit in the seats of Members of Parliament. This hands-on moment gave students a fresh perspective on leadership and responsibility.
The Students Experience
"My favourite part of the excursion was when we went on the tour and they talked about how Parliament works and the historical figures"
"My favourite part was going into the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council and sitting in the chairs. I got to sit in the President's seat in the Upper House and it was cool to see where everyone sat from high up above. I liked that we got to create a law! I also liked the Treasure Hunt it was really fun."
"Visiting Parliament House was really interesting as we got to learn about how laws are made in WA. We loved learning and acting out the roles of parliament, especially debating about why homework should be banned. It was a great experience!"
The Constitution Centre: Bringing Civics to Life
One of the standout moments was the team-based quizzes that challenged students to apply what they had learned in a fun and dynamic way. These experiences encouraged students to reflect on what it means to be an active and responsible Australian citizen.
Students also explored key elements of the Australian Constitution and reflected on the significance of Federation. These discussions helped them understand not just how our system works, but why it matters.
A Lasting Impression
By the end of the day, students returned to school with a deeper appreciation of how Australia’s democracy functions and the role each citizen plays within it.
And who knows? For some students, this excursion may have been the first step toward a future in leadership, law, or public service.
- civics and citizenship, Constitution Centre WA, democracy education, Featured, Humanities and Social Sciences, Parliament House Perth, Primary School Learning, Santa Maria College, Student Leadership, Western Australia education, Year 6 excursion
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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