Educating the community

 

Education at ECSA

 

Testimonials

 

News 

by Paula, our Educator

ECSA has a legislative responsibility to educate the community on the importance of democratic participation across the state through the provision of inclusive and accessible information and voting services.

One way to ensure that our values of democracy continue to be upheld in the future is to teach our young people / young adults how to participate in it.

ECSA can support the work of educators by providing in classroom support or tailored programs for individual classes or whole year levels as well as professional development sessions at your site.
 
Enrolling to vote and mock election, supported learning presentation

"The information provided was extremely valuable for students who will be eligible to vote in the upcoming state election. It was good to give them the opportunity to learn about how the votes are counted, and why it is important to fill out their ballot paper correctly."

Year 8 Democracy Day Event – Stages in an election
"Paula's initial presentation was very informative and helped all students get on the same page before we got into the activities for the day. The mock election (including the vote and count) with all the authentic materials (booths, bibs, ballot box etc) was particularly engaging and memorable for students too."

Year 8 Presentation on candidates, polling booths and counting the votes
"The session was well suited to what I had in mind and allowed the students to develop a genuine understanding of the electoral process."

 
 
Empowering Students as Citizens of the Future

News from the Nazareth School Community

Year 5 Presentation on voting and political parties
"Students really enjoyed engaging in the mock voting and also said they had learnt new information from the day."

Resources

We publish a wide range of educational materials designed to inform and educate South Australians about our electoral processes. Brochures, guides, and videos range in accessibility levels and are produced in multiple languages to cater for everyone.

Our easy read guides:

https://ecsa.sa.gov.au/html/LGAGuide2022/

Our language guides:

https://ecsa.sa.gov.au/languages2

Introducing Paula

Paula is a dedicated and passionate Legal Studies and Civics educator with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades.

She champions the importance of civics education, passionately believing that a thriving democracy relies on an informed citizenry that understands and embraces their voting responsibilities.

As a long-standing volunteer committee member of the Legal Education Teachers Association SA (LETASA) for more than 20 years, Paula has been honoured with multiple awards in recognition of academic excellence, significant contributions to curriculum development, and outstanding event facilitation.

With extensive experience in state electoral processes and a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship, as well as SACE Legal Studies, Paula is committed to delivering authentic electoral education, fostering student agency, and empowering students to find and use their voice in civic life.

You can contact Paula via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ATTENTION: Education Officer

Paula is based in our Light Square, Adelaide offices.

Paula out and about

The Australasian Parliamentary Educators Annual Conference, was hosted in Adelaide, SA for 2024. The theme for 2024 Challenge Accepted - Overcoming Barriers to Delivering Civics Education, included a trip to the Zoo to visit the Tigers. The conference focused on the different barriers parliamentary, electoral and related education officers face when planning, delivering and promoting programs – with workshops and activities to consider possible solutions.

Pictured below with Paula is Natalie, Community Education and Engagement Manager, Parliament of South Australia.

Living in an area to vote

Which council or electoral district do you vote in?

Understanding elections and voting

 

External resources