In Focus: Legal Studies
This term, both Legal Studies classes have explored new, thought-provoking topics and heard from different guest speakers.
In Legal Studies Foundation 2, we have been learning about Family Law and Employment Law. Most recently, we have been exploring the legal basis of employment conditions and entitlements, as well as rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Students had the opportunity to interview others about their employment experiences and reflect on their results, as well as researching the employment standards relevant to a chosen future career. As part of their learning, we had a visit from WorkSafe where Tim outlined the duty of care employers owe to their employees. He shared many personal stories and suggestions for minimising risk and avoiding injury in the workplace. This was well received by students who didn’t mind the pencils and notepad freebies either!
Legal Studies 3 students have shifted their focus to dispute resolution methods for criminal and civil matters, including the adversary trial system and Alternative Dispute Resolution processes. Over the last few weeks, we have been looking more closely at the criminal justice system and the safeguards of the accused/ victim in addition to the principles of sentencing. Students have been able to select and explore particular rights and sentencing options in more depth, whilst also considering relevant cases and potential reforms. This has included learning activities allowing students to practice objecting to inadmissible evidence, exploring recent “comments on passing sentence” and determining sentences for offenders using the “You be the Judge” virtual program. On the 31st of August we tuned into UTAS’ “LawFest” via the virtual event to hear from a panel focused on each of the Topical Legal Issues for this year which included Professor Marcia Langton AO as the keynote speaker on the Voice to Parliament. Whilst we were unfortunately not able to attend in person, students were lucky enough to receive goodie bags from UTAS which included a myriad of Faculty of Law merchandise. On the 20th of September we also had a visit from the Tasmanian Australian of the Year, John Kamara. Students heard impactful stories about John’s lived experience and how he went from fleeing war-torn Sierra Leone to becoming a strong advocate for migrants, refugees and people from culturally diverse backgrounds, including his involvement on the panel for the governmental Multicultural Framework review. A key focus of the session was diversity in schools and our responsibility as students and staff to acknowledge and educate others about multiculturalism, call out racism and model inclusive language. Students left motivated and keen to make a difference in the school, including the formation of a Diversity Statement for Don College. If you are interested in being involved in this, get in touch with elise.davey@decyp.tas.gov.au
Special mentions go out to Hannah East for her submission to the My First Speech competition about youth homelessness, and Hayley Carpenter for her piece on rural disadvantage in the areas of mental health and education for the Country to Canberra competition. You are to be commended for the passion, time and effort that goes into forming a submission.