Democratic principles
Australian society is defined, among other aspects, by a belief in elected Government; by a commitment to the rule
of law, to equal rights for all before the law; and by a belief in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom
of association. Our society is also tolerant of a range of religious, political, social and cultural beliefs and values in the
context of the fundamental principle of our democracy.
The Education and Reform Act 2006 requires all education providers to operate in a manner consistent with this set
of Australian democratic principles. In accordance with the Act, St Patrick’s School Ballan (St Patrick’s) delivers
curriculum programs and learning and teaching in a manner that supports and promotes the principles and practice
of Australian democracy. This includes a commitment to:
Promotion and Communication of the Democratic Principles
St Patrick’s promotes and communicates the principles and practices of Australian democracy by the following
strategies:
1. The Vision and Mission, as captured by the St Patrick’s ‘Essence Statement’, expresses its Catholic
orientation in the midst of diversity across all aspects of life. The school shares in the mission of the Catholic
Church and its Essence Statement expresses this relationship. Similarly, the inspirational nature of the
Essence Statement informs and invites all members of the school community into relationship in the
lifegiving work of the school. In dialogue, we learn from each other and flourish together. The Essence
Statement was developed through dialogue that is representative of the school community.
2. The curriculum program is based on the Victorian Curriculum F-10 (which incorporates the requirements
of the Australian Curriculum) and Awakenings Religious Education Curriculum (CEOB) and develops in
students:
government and society
3. The school’s Australian Democratic Principles Statement is available on the school website.
4. As part of the induction process, staff are made aware of the integration of the democratic principles into
the curriculum and the life of the school.
of law, to equal rights for all before the law; and by a belief in freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom
of association. Our society is also tolerant of a range of religious, political, social and cultural beliefs and values in the
context of the fundamental principle of our democracy.
The Education and Reform Act 2006 requires all education providers to operate in a manner consistent with this set
of Australian democratic principles. In accordance with the Act, St Patrick’s School Ballan (St Patrick’s) delivers
curriculum programs and learning and teaching in a manner that supports and promotes the principles and practice
of Australian democracy. This includes a commitment to:
- elected government
- the rule of law
- equal rights for all before the law
- freedom of religion
- freedom of speech and association
- the values of openness and tolerance
Promotion and Communication of the Democratic Principles
St Patrick’s promotes and communicates the principles and practices of Australian democracy by the following
strategies:
1. The Vision and Mission, as captured by the St Patrick’s ‘Essence Statement’, expresses its Catholic
orientation in the midst of diversity across all aspects of life. The school shares in the mission of the Catholic
Church and its Essence Statement expresses this relationship. Similarly, the inspirational nature of the
Essence Statement informs and invites all members of the school community into relationship in the
lifegiving work of the school. In dialogue, we learn from each other and flourish together. The Essence
Statement was developed through dialogue that is representative of the school community.
2. The curriculum program is based on the Victorian Curriculum F-10 (which incorporates the requirements
of the Australian Curriculum) and Awakenings Religious Education Curriculum (CEOB) and develops in
students:
- a lifelong sense of belonging to, and engagement with, civic life as an active and informed citizen in the
- knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the values, principles, institutions and practices of
government and society
- skills necessary to investigate contemporary civics and citizenship issues, and foster responsible
- knowledge, skills and capacities and dispositions to participate in the civic life of their nation at a local,
3. The school’s Australian Democratic Principles Statement is available on the school website.
4. As part of the induction process, staff are made aware of the integration of the democratic principles into
the curriculum and the life of the school.