Learning about the work of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This can be done with a lesson case intended for students in grades 7 and 8 of primary school. Students from De Vonk primary school in Odijk distributed the cases to members of parliament on Tuesday, September 9.
Chairman of the House Martin Bosma brought the teaching material, in the form of a case, to attention during the plenary meeting. The presentation of these cases at the beginning of the parliamentary year has become a fixed tradition. The teaching material has been compiled by the House of Representatives and the Senate, in collaboration with ProDemos. Primary schools can order the cases free of charge every year.
Teaching Material
The interactive lesson package focuses on the basic principles of Dutch politics. Attention is paid to the distinction between the House of Representatives and the Senate, the process from bill to law, and how elections are conducted. Many schools cover this material in the week leading up to or during Prinsjesdag. This is often done with the help of workbooks included in the case. Additionally, there are various educational videos and games available on External link:derdekamer.nl The Third Chamber is an initiative of the House of Representatives and the Senate to provide free teaching materials for primary schools.
Final Debate
Schools participating in the lesson program can register their class for the final debate. The three most creative submissions are invited each spring to the plenary hall of the Senate for this debate. The next final debate will take place on Friday, April 10.
Requesting a Case
Each year, approximately 6000 schools receive a case. This case contains, among other things, a debate game, 32 manuals, a poster, and a teachers guide. Schools interested in the lesson package can External link:download the contents for free.