Changing the ways we work

The monument on the corner of Russell and Victoria Streets in Melbourne commemorates the 8 Hours Movement, which was initiated in Victoria in 1856. The monument was originally unveiled in Spring Street in 1903 and moved to its current location in 1924.
The monument on the corner of Russell and Victoria Streets in Melbourne commemorates the 8 Hours Movement, which was initiated in Victoria in 1856. The monument was originally unveiled in Spring Street in 1903 and moved to its current location in 1924.

So much about the way we live and work has changed in the more than 165 years since the 8-hour workday law was introduced.

The Changing the ways we work resource explores some of these changes, especially how the nature of work has changed, including the use of digital technologies, and the impact of these changes on our work-life balance. The resource asks students to consider questions such as whether we need to amend our existing laws, what roles they could play in reforming the work laws, or if it’s time to revolutionise how we work in a similar way that was the revolution that resulted in the 8-hour work day.

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  • The curriculum connections below relate, but are not limited to, Year 7 & 8 Victorian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship, although the activities can be adapted to both Grades 5 & 6 and Years 9 & 10. There are several Victorian Curriculum subject areas, such as History and Economics and Business, for which these activities would also be relevant.

    Year 7 & 8

    The activities in this resource allow students to develop and extend their understanding of why laws are made, and how laws are amended to reflect changing social conditions, in this case, changes to the way Victorian’s work. Students identify the importance of shared values and explain different points of view through engaging in research and responding to a scenario. They identify ways they can be active and informed citizens and take action in different contexts through proposing new laws or considering how current laws may need to change. Throughout the resource students will:

    • Discuss the freedoms that enable active participation in Australia's democracy within the bounds of law, including freedom of speech, association, assembly … (VCCCG019). For example, through exploring advocating for rights using various platforms.
    • Explain how citizens can participate in Australia's democracy … through the use of lobby groups, interest groups and direct action (VCCCG020).
    • Use a scenario to consider how laws are made and adapted through the state parliament system (links to content descriptor VCCCL023).
    • Identify how values can promote cohesion within Australian society, including the values of freedom, respect, inclusion, civility, responsibility, compassion, equality and a ‘fair go’ (VCCCC025)

  • Changing the ways we work

    So much about the way we live and work has changed in the more than 165 years since the 8-hour workday law was introduced. This teaching guide explores some of these changes, especially how the nature of work has changed, including the use of digital technologies, and the impact of these changes on our work-life balance.

    Learing from COVID-19

    The COVID-19 emergency has presented all of us with challenges, but it also provides some learning experiences for students that can be incorporated into the teaching of Civics and Citizenship and Legal Studies.