By exploring the life of Millie Peacock, students are asked to consider what impact women – whether in public political life or working behind the scenes – have or have had on Parliament of Victoria and on all Victorians.
The resource includes the story of Lady Millie Peacock, teaching notes, activities, additional resources and relevant curriculum links. Each of the activities have been designed to be adaptable to a range of classroom contexts and work flexibly, especially in terms of the amount of time spent and the depth of discussion.
Regardless of whether we’re aware of their lasting legacies or not, these women - Lady Millie Peacock, and many more – were pioneers in Victorian politics and parliament.
The curriculum connections below relate to the Victorian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship; from Grade 5 to Year 10. However, there are also several additional Victorian Curriculum areas, such as History and English, for which the activities in this resource would be relevant. The resource contains a more detailed discussion as to how the activities and information link to the curriculum, including specific content codes.
Grades 5 & 6
The activities in this resource provide students with an opportunity to identify the values that underpin Australia’s democracy and explain the importance of the electoral process. They explain the role of women in parliament – including Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff – whose roles contribute to creating laws. They identify various ways people can participate effectively to change or amend laws, specifically focussing on the ‘first women’ in the Parliament of Victoria and their legacies. They analyse contemporary issues, such as women in politics and parliament, and use evidence to support the discussion. They identify possible solutions to the issue of women being underrepresented in parliament as part of a plan for action.
Year 7 & 8
The activities in this resource allow students to explore how democracy in Victoria has changed over time to enable active participation by a greater number of Victorians, specifically in this case, women. Students identify the importance of different points of view and the diverse nature of Victorian society, both in historical and contemporary contexts. They analyse issues about gender representation in Parliament and the opportunities created as a result of women such as Lady Millie Peacock. They identify ways they can take action in different contexts.
Year 9 & 10
The activities in this resource provide students the opportunity to investigate the influences on people’s electoral choices and responses to elected representatives. Students analyse a range of factors that influence identities and attitudes to diversity, specifically exploring issues and attitudes relating to women in politics and parliament. Students evaluate a range of factors that sustain democratic societies, including Parliament’s response to changes to women in the workforce and political life.
