Could you pass a year 10 civics test? Only 28% of Australian students can
Australian students' understanding of civics education has fallen to a record low, a national test indicates.
The test, held by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (Acara) to measure 'attitudes and engagement' with civics and citizenship found 43% of year 6 students met the proficient standard, compared with 53% in 2019.
Just 28% of year 10 students met the proficient standard, a fall from 38% in 2019 and the lowest level since assessments began in 2004.
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A parliamentary committee this month recommended the roll-out of a universal and mandatory civics and citizenship curriculum, noting Australia's system of compulsory voting and a precarious environment in which 'democracies around the world … are facing rising disengagement, distrust … misinformation and disinformation'.
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Acara's example online test for year 10 students veered into the philosophical, covering topics from multiculturalism to protest laws.
Here is a sample of some of the questions – see how your knowledge stacks up.
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