NSW Parliament opens virtual doors

8 December 2021

Primary school students are set to learn about the important function the Parliament plays in our democracy when the NSW Parliament’s popular “Visit us at our House” interactive online education program opens bookings today for Term 1, 2022.

Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Jonathan O’Dea, MP, said that as face-to-face learning in schools across the state resumes, it is the perfect time for
teachers of Years 5 and 6 to register for a session.

“These virtual excursions are a great opportunity to visit Australia’s oldest Parliament from the classroom,” Mr O’Dea said.

“The sessions help bring to life what students are learning as part of their civics and citizenship studies, promoting a greater understanding of the work of the Parliament and how the bicameral system operates.” 

NSW was the first Parliament in Australia to introduce a virtual program for primary schools and has delivered sessions to more than 20,000 students since 2015, reaching around 8,000 primary school students each year.

The program is based on the NSW History K-10 Syllabus. Demand for the sessions continues, with Term 4’s sessions quickly booked out.

President of the Legislative Council Matthew Mason-Cox, MLC, said the online Parliament education program is popular with teachers and students alike. 

“Participants are shown video footage of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly chambers to help them learn valuable history about the developments of democracy in the early colony of NSW,” said Mr Mason-Cox.

“We hope it will also inspire students to come and visit NSW Parliament House with their school or with their families in person.” 

Dates for Term 1, 2022 are available for sessions scheduled between 21 February until 5 April, 2022. Teachers can book in their class by visiting the NSW Parliament’s education website.

For bookings and enquiries, call NSW Parliament Education on (02) 9230 2047 or email dps.education@parliament.nsw.gov.au.