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JSC Congress contains a range of educational opportunities for primary school students in one experience. Congress
procedures are modelled on Parliamentary process, so it is an excellent way for students to engage with Australian Democracy. Even the seating arrangements are the same as Parliament. The buzz students get as they take on the role is palpable.
Students also learn about canvassing for opinions and representation of others through conducting the pre-congress survey amongst other students at their school. They even get experience crunching the numbers as they analyse the data they gather.
The major area the students benefit from is naturally the main event itself. Standing up in the formal Congress to speak, trying to persuade the other delgates of your view point. This is the most exciting part for teachers to watch as the confidence of their students grows right in front of their eyes. Public speaking skills are extremely important to develop as early as possible and with positive reactions that Congress offers. The use of persuasive language is a vital component in the school curriculum. The workshops before the formal Congress coach students to think about what to say and what objections might be raised so that they can prepare their rebuttal.
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The debating process of Congress, coupled with the formal voting, gives students a great feeling of empowerment as they choose which motions they will endorse.
This is only the beginning of the benefits to students of participating in Congress. They also get to meet students from other schools, discuss and design motions. The program also includes a skills training workshop presented by an experienced Second Strike leadership trainer. Workshops on offer include Public Speaking, Event Management, Meeting Procedures and Publicity.
Click here to view the Connect Magazine JSC Congress Article