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- The Isabellas: The long march, 1995 - Escape to Australia
The Isabellas: The long march, 1995 - Escape to Australia
Reproduced courtesy of australianscreen online | Resource title: The Isabellas: The long march, 1995 - Escape to Australia Digital resource identifier: R7101 Resource description Stage of schooling: Upper Primary CCE focus: Government and Law |
Context
Students have the opportunity to explore life under a one-party communist system and to investigate why some Chinese citizens may wish to move to a democracy. It is important to talk about life in China today and why increased economic freedom is influencing the push for increased political freedom.
Opportunities for Civics and Citizenship learning
‘The Isabellas: The long march, 1995 - Escape to Australia’ provides opportunities for students to:
discuss some of the different political systems in the world
consider the impact of different systems on people’s rights and identity
examine reasons why people might decide to live in another country
explore issues for ‘political refugees’ settling into a new country
consider why people might want to become Australian citizens and the process for doing this.
Ideas for the classroom
Ask students to compare and contrast democracy and communism as political systems. Write key points on the board. A graphic organiser such as a Plus, Minus and Interesting (PMI) chart could be used to compare the two.
Discuss the meaning of the term ‘political refugee’ and why people may become one.
Explain to students that they will be watching the film clip about Chen Xing Liang and his flight to Australia. Ask them to take notes while they are watching, as they will be asked to write an article about Chen Xing Liang’s flight to Australia and the reasons for becoming an Australian citizen. It may be necessary to show the clip several times.
Finish activity by asking students to ‘pair and share’ their stories.