VSPP Local Parliamentary Conventions 2024
Secondary schools can apply to host a Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP) Local Parliamentary Convention in 2024 with the support of National Curriculum Services, as part of the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP).
The VSPP provides opportunities throughout the year for students and their schools to engage in immersive Civics and Citizenship activities aimed at improving students’ understanding of parliamentary processes.
National Curriculum Services (NCS) is contracted by the Victorian Department of Education to deliver the VSPP. The Local Parliamentary Conventions are one component of the program.
Local Parliamentary Conventions
In 2024, the Victorian Department of Education will provide the opportunity for up to EIGHT secondary schools to host a Local Parliamentary Convention as part of VSPP. Each convention involves exploration of a political question and culminates in a day of guest speakers, debate and a final vote on the chosen topic, simulating a parliamentary vote. Schools are strongly encouraged to invite other local schools to participate on the day to strengthen the diversity of perspectives on the day and share the benefits of the event more broadly.
The program provides the opportunity for schools to:
- Further explore the civics and citizenship curriculum;
- Encourage student voice and provide students with the opportunity to express their views;
- Allow students to share their ideas and thoughts with students from other schools;
- Learn about topical issues from experts;
- Build partnerships with other schools.
Funding available
Each host school is provided with a grant of $1,000 to assist them in organising the convention.
Expectations of Host School
NCS will work with schools to assist in the planning and delivery of convention on the day. Selected host schools will need to undertake the following:
- Select an appropriate topic that complements the Victorian Civics and Citizenship Curriculum. NCS can pass you some previous topics that have been addressed before for brainstorming.
- Organise the program, venue (usually at your school), speakers and relevant stimulus material for the convention. NCS will assist you with this process.
- Invite other local schools to attend with maximum numbers of students around 120-150 (subject to health requirements and social distancing).
- Conduct the convention during Terms 1 or 3. Term 4 is also acceptable if requested.
Please note, the ability for schools to meet face-to-face is subject to current medical advice at the time. Public schools should also follow the advice provided by the Department of Education in the School Operations Guide.
Schools who are open to delivering the Convention online or hybrid (online + in-person) to enable rural and regional students to join their convention virtually, or in response to unforeseen COVID-19 restrictions (if necessary) will be viewed favourably and should indicate this on their application.
For more information
Should you have any queries please contact NCS on (03) 9415 1299 or via registrations@ncsonline.com.au.
VSPP Local Parliamentary Conventions in 2024
Kingswood College, Box Hill South
Date: Thursday, 20 June 2024
Topic: Should Australia acquire nuclear weapons to defend its sovereignty?
Contact: Elli Lightbody
Email: lightbody.e@kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au
Lalor Secondary College, Lalor
Date: Friday, 21 June 2024
Venue: Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre, South Morang
Topic: AI: Friend or Foe?
Contact: Peter Leos
Email: peter.leos@education.vic.gov.au
Event Flyer: Lalor SC Local Parliamentary Convention - Flyer.pdf
Melbourne Grammar School
Date: Monday, 5 August 2024
Topic: Should the Australian government regulate the use of social media for young people? If so, how?
Contact: Vincent Chiang
Email: vzchiang@mgs.vic.edu.au
Saint Ignatius College Geelong, Drysdale
Date: Thursday, 22 August 2024
Topic: TBC
Contact: Samantha Windmill
Email: windmills@ignatius.vic.edu.au
Should you have any enquiries, please call National Curriculum Services on (03) 9415 1299 or email registrations@ncsonline.com.au.
National Curriculum Services (NCS) has been contracted by the Victorian Department of Education (DE) to deliver the Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP).