Australian Students' Civics Knowledge Hits Record Low in National Test Results

Only 28% of Year 10 students and 43% of Year 6 students met proficiency standards in civics and citizenship, sparking calls for curriculum reform.

The 2024 civics and citizenship test results revealed the lowest proficiency levels since the assessments began in 2004, with only 28% of Year 10 students meeting the standard, down from 38% in 2019.
Year 6 students also saw a decline, with just 43% reaching proficiency compared to 53% in the previous testing cycle.
Experts warn that the lack of understanding about democracy and governance leaves students vulnerable to misinformation and disengagement from civic duties as future voters.
Calls for mandatory civics education and curriculum reform are growing, with proposals to standardize and emphasize civics lessons across Australian schools by 2027.
Education officials and politicians are debating solutions, including increased funding for school visits to Parliament and the War Memorial, as well as teacher training to address the decline.