Parliament House program

Join in the fun—and the learning—with the PEO's immersive learning program at Australia's Parliament House in Canberra. This free program is suitable for primary and secondary students.

The PEO role-play gives primary and secondary students hands-on experience of how our Parliament works to make Australia a better place to live.

The program explores the function, purpose and value of Australia's democratic system of government. It does this by investigating:

  • how laws are made through Parliament
  • the responsibilities of representatives
  • the formation of government
  • how government is kept accountable

Book your school's free hands-on program now!

School Booking Request
20210158 83 PEO Monday

Students participating in a PEO education program at Parliament House.

Penny Bradfiled/DPS AUSPIC

Reading a speech

Reading a speech in the Education centre at Australian Parliament House.

DPS Auspic

Program details

Year levels 5 – 12
Groups size Min 15, max 50 students
(Note: multiple bookings can be made and smaller groups may be accommodated upon request)
Supervision The duty of care for the safety and wellbeing of students is the responsibility of teachers at all times.
All parliamentary educators have a valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) check.
Duration 55 minutes
Availability Monday – Friday
On the hour, 9am to 4pm

The PEO program is very popular with schools. To avoid disappointment, book your program with as much lead time as possible.

Enhance your program with a free tour of Parliament House.

Program

In this experiential program, students explore the law-making process by becoming either a senator or member of the House of Representatives and debating a bill.

Aim Introduce the concept and develop an understanding of how laws are made in Parliament.
A hands-on exploration of the role of Parliament and the work of members of Parliament.
Provide a memorable and unique experience for students.
Years 5 – 12
Pre-visit requirements? no
Australian civics and citizenship curriculum links Year 5
ACHASSK115
Year 6
ACHASSK143 
ACHASSK145 
ACHASSK146
Year 7
ACHCK048
Year 8
ACHCK062 
ACHCK063
Year 9
ACHCK075

Source: Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), downloaded from the Australian Curriculum website on 13/09/21 (curriculum version 8.4)

If your students have already investigated the law-making process in the classroom, speak to us about our additional programs which explore other aspects of the work of the Parliament.

Prepare your students for their program with these ideas and a sensory story.

Need some help preparing for your visit?

Bookings for the PEO program are made through the Parliament of Australia School Visits page

Details of our COVIDsafe measures can be found in the following planning documents:

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We are here to help!
Please let us know your requirements. Send us an email through the Contact page or phone 02 6277 3508