Parliament of Tasmania - HAEO - Visit

House of Assembly Education Office

School programs at Parliament House

The House of Assembly Education Office offers schools and home education groups, a range of learning opportunities to support their Civics and Citizenship Education across different year groups.

The House of Assembly Chamber from the Speaker’s Chair

Program 1: Observe Parliament in Action

On sitting days, school groups can watch the Parliament of Tasmania from the Public Galleries. This allows students to see the Members at work in the Chambers.

Program 2: Take a Guided Tour of Parliament House

On non-sitting days, a guided tour of Parliament House gives students an opportunity to visit one of Tasmania’s most iconic buildings. The schools tour covers a combination of the history of the building and contemporary parliamentary practices.

Please allow about 90 minutes for a guided tour.

Program 3: Participate in a House of Assembly Role-play

On non-sitting days, school groups may participate in a role-play in the House of Assembly Chamber. During this hands-on activity, the students are cast either as a Member of Parliament or as an Officer of the Parliament (e.g. Speaker, Premier, Leader of the Opposition or Clerk) to debate and vote on a fictional Bill, replicating the passage of a Bill through the House of Assembly.

Please allow 75 minutes for a role-play.

Long Room

Program 4: Combine a Tour with a Role-play

On non-sitting days, school groups can take a guided tour of Parliament House and participate in a House of Assembly role-play. The tour encompasses some of the history of the building and parliamentary practices. The scripted role-play introduces the students to the process of passing Bills through the House of Assembly.

Please allow 2 hours for a combined tour and role-play.

Program 5: Host an online interactive lesson

Available most days, schools can participate in a live online lesson with the House of Assembly Education Office. Communicating via a video link, House of Assembly staff explain the work of the Parliament of Tasmania, with particular focus on the House of Assembly. There are opportunities for student and teacher questions. The lessons are as follows:

Audience: Upper Primary

The lesson focuses on the four main roles of the Parliament of Tasmania. It uses the fictional Bill topic of ‘Pools in Schools’ to explain the passage of a Bill through the House of Assembly.

Audience: Secondary

The lesson focuses on the four main roles of the Parliament of Tasmania. It uses the fictional Bill topic of ‘Food Trucks in Tasmania’ to explain the passage of a Bill through the House of Assembly.

Audience: Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies

This lesson examines some of the features of a Westminster parliamentary system operating in the House of Assembly. It follows the passage of a Bill through the House of Assembly with a role-play about online bullying.

Time: Lessons are approximately 45 minutes for primary/secondary classes and 60 minutes for Legal Studies classes. Start times are by negotiation.

What cost is involved?

All excursions to Parliament House are free of charge but school bookings are essential. Please contact the House of Assembly Education Office make a school booking.

Which days do school programs run?

All school visits are configured around the Parliament’s meeting days. Therefore, teachers need to check the current sitting schedule prior to booking.

What times do school guided tours and role-plays run?

On non-sitting days, guided tours and role-plays are available at 10 am or 2 pm.

How many students can visit at a time?

Each visit can accommodate one class of up to 30 students. Subject to conditions, some non-sitting day programs may be able to host two classes at once.

Is there any support for regional schools to travel to the Parliament of Tasmania?

The House of Assembly provides a Tasmanian Regional School Travel Rebate for Tasmanian schools located 75 km or more from Parliament House to travel to Parliament House to participate in a House of Assembly Education Office program.

Are school visits subject to change?

The Parliament of Tasmania sitting schedule is subject to change. As a result, all school visits are subject to change. Should there be a change to the sitting schedule, every effort will be made by the Education Office to notify a school with an existing booking with as much notice as possible.

For more information contact the House of Assembly Education Office.