Express interest in participating in student conventions to learn about Australia’s constitution and systems of government
Expressions of interest are now open for Victorian Students’ Parliamentary Program (VSPP) conventions in Term 2.
VSPP consists of a series of student conventions about Australia's constitution and systems of government. Through the conventions, students participate in informed debates on a range of topics affecting Australia's democracy.
Schools from all sectors can opt into the program to support civics and citizenship teaching.
National Curriculum Services (NCS) delivers the program on behalf of the Department.
Local Parliamentary Conventions (years 10-12)
In Term 2, eight secondary schools will host a local parliamentary convention as part of the VSPP. The program is designed for students in years 10 to 12. All secondary schools are invited to participate in one of the eight local conventions.
Each local convention will explore a political question and include guest speakers, a debate and a final vote on the chosen topic. 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.
To register for the conventions, schools should contact their chosen host school directly, noting capacity limits.
Parliamentary conventions
The VSPP includes state-wide Secondary Schools Parliamentary Conventions (SSPC) and Primary Schools Parliamentary Conventions (PSPC).
Each convention brings together more than 100 students to the Parliament House of Victoria to participate in informed, parliamentary-style debates on a range of topics affecting Australia's democracy. Where possible, the Speaker of the Victorian Parliament presides over the day.
As the 2020 conventions were cancelled due to COVID-19, there will be two SSPCs and PSPCs in 2021. Schools interested in participating in either the SSPC or the PSPC should submit an expression of interest.
If successful, schools should select and prepare two to four students to represent the views of their classmates. The actual number of representatives from each school will depend on the response from schools.
Primary Schools’ Parliamentary Convention (years 5-6)
The first Primary Schools' Parliamentary Convention for 2021 will focus on the topic, ‘Should the State or Federal Government have control over school education?’
Event details
Date: Tuesday 27 July
Location: Parliament House of Victoria
To register, complete the expression of interest form by Tuesday 1 June.
Secondary Schools’ Parliamentary Convention (years 10-12)
The first Secondary School Parliamentary Convention will focus on the topic, ‘Should the Australian Government fund a new National Anti-Racism Strategy as its main initiative for combating racial discrimination in Australia?’
Event details
Date: Thursday 29 July
Location: Parliament House of Victoria
To register, complete the expression of interest form by Tuesday 1 June.
Find out more
For more information, refer to the NCS website.
For all enquiries, contact the NCS:
This event program will be subject to all relevant Victorian
COVIDSafe measures in place at the time.