​Interview with Governor-General Mr Peter Cosgrove

Charles Campbell College is an extremely diverse R-12 college with at least 50 different cultural backgrounds represented within the college student body.
This term, the year 6 students (6A and 6B) are undertaking a PBL (Project Based Learning Unit) in exploration of the following question: What does it mean to be an Australian citizen and how can we participate as global citizens?

The students firstly analysed the relevant Civics and Citizenship Achievement Standard and formed questions suitable for eliciting information which would support in answering the afore mentioned question.

Students will use the information gathered from their Interview with Governor-General Mr Peter Cosgrove via Skype to critique the Australia Citizenship Test.

The official welcome to the Governor-General:

“Good Morning Your Excellency,
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On behalf of the year 6s at Charles Campbell College we would like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to ask questions and explore your role as the Governor-General. This term in Project Based Learning we have been exploring the question:  What does it mean to be an Australian citizen and how can we participate as global citizens?

Understanding this question and its implications is extremely important for us seeing we come from such a diverse College and live in such a diverse country.

In preparation for this interview we have used the Achievement Standard to design effective questions, and we will be using the information collected to critique and potentially re-work the Australian Citizenship Test. We are very honoured to have you support and deepen our learning. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Below is the list of Questions asked by the ‘democratically elected students’;

1. Why do we need to be an Australian citizen to live in Australia and how would a person’s life be different if they weren’t a citizen but still lived in Australia?
2. How do we become global citizens and to what extent can we be both a global citizen and Australian citizen at the same time?
3. What is your opinion regarding us as 11/12-year-old students participating as global citizens in our school, and what are the ways we can demonstrate this?
4. What would it look like if citizenship didn’t exist?
5. How would you summarise your role in the three levels of Government to us as future adults?
6. We know that you served in the Australian Defence Force. Do you think your service has prepared you for your role as Governor General?
7. During your time as Governor General, have you ever been torn between making a certain decision?  If so, what are some of the issues and decisions that you have found difficult?
8.  In what ways do you work with state governors?
9. How does it feel to be the most powerful person in Australia?
10. How much of an influence do you have over the Prime Minister?

 
In closing the interview, a student declared the following farewell:

“Your Excellency,
We would like to sincerely thank you again for you being a part of our learning today and allowing us the opportunity to speak with you.

We would like to extend an invitation to you if ever you are in Adelaide to come and visit us at Charles Campbell College, as we would value being able to continue sharing our learning with you. We wish you all the best for your term as Governor-General.”
 
Congratulations to all the Teachers involved in the PBL areas and making the Interview a reality.

Well done to all the students for participating in the interview as audience members and especially to the students who asked the Governor General a question and spoke to him in such a clear and engaging manner.

​See the below letter of thanks from the Governor General!