Contemporary educational resources are vital to deliver high-quality and consistent teaching and learning about local government in South Australia.

The project is almost complete, with the History Trust of SA launching the resources on 7 March 2024. Resources available through their website include:

• a teaching and learning guide
• posters
• two series of videos.

Hard copies of the guide and posters were sent to all public primary schools in South Australia. A social media campaign is underway, with fact sheets and audio-described versions of the videos to follow.

Access the resources from the History Trust of SA Local Government Unit webpage

Outcomes

This project aims to enhance the understanding of the local government among young people and is linked to a range of outcomes, including:

Young people know the role of councils and the opportunities they provide for young people.

All public primary schools across South Australia have received a copy of the teaching and learning guide and posters. Provided posters explain local government, who is involved and what they do using simple language and images. Posters and supporting videos also explain to students how they can get involved.

The development of learning and teaching material to increase young people's understanding of local government.

A teaching and learning guide and supportive resources, including two video series, are complete and available for free to the public via the website and YouTube.

The material is aligned with the South Australian curriculum and designed for primary school teachers in years 4 to 6. The topic will include learning about the local council, preparing for an election, and running a council meeting.  The material will also have posters, fact sheets and a video series to support the learning.

Communities understand the role and value of local government.

Posters and videos explaining the council's role and responsibility have been completed and are available to the public. An audio-described version of the videos will soon be available to provide greater accessibility.

Facts sheets will also soon be available to provide greater background and information about councils.

Background

Contemporary educational resources are vital to deliver high-quality and consistent teaching and learning about local government in South Australia. Previous curriculum materials were developed in 2005, and the LGA hasn’t produced a comprehensive learning program since then.

This project seeks to develop a complete set of learning materials to ensure that young people understand how local government works and the opportunities available to young people in local government.

The proposed materials, including fact sheets and videos, provide contemporary and flexible teaching delivery approaches. Social media posts such as videos of vox pops, quick facts, and behind-the-scenes in council will also generate public awareness of local government.

Who is the project for?

The resources developed through this project are for South Australian young people, school teachers and others seeking resources to support young people in learning about the role of local government.

*This page was updated on 28 March 2024*