The Big Issue Classroom works with secondary schools and community groups to break down stereotypes surrounding homelessness and encourage understanding of marginalisation and disadvantage.

Students attend a one hour group session where a specialist presenter communicates with students in language they understand, using group discussions and games to explore homelessness, discrimination and what it is to be marginalised in Australia.

Students and teachers also have the opportunity to hear from someone who has personally experienced homelessness. Guest speakers share their story, focusing on the challenges they’ve faced and what has helped them overcome these to get to where they are today. Feedback has shown that the guest speaker has a direct impact on a very personal level for students who attend the sessions.

How can The Big Issue Classroom assist teachers?

The Big Issue Classroom is a powerful tool that enables teachers to deliver difficult but very important subject matter. In addition to learning about homelessness, students gain a greater understanding of all types of discrimination and further develop their social awareness and conscience.

Following the session, we distribute a Teacher’s Resource Kit (including info sheets and lesson plans) and Student Info Packs (including an edition of the magazine and  relevant student resources) to help extend the material into the classroom and encourage at risk students to seek advice and support.

A visit to The Big Issue Classroom could be integrated into high school excursions into the city centre, English classes where texts deal with homelessness and marginalisation, year 11 and 12 social studies units, or a number of other units of study at upper-secondary level.  We are more than happy to discuss how sessions can be best integrated into your curriculum.

Getting to The Big Issue Classroom

The Big Issue Classroom runs in Melbourne and Sydney, and offers delivery options for schools outside these areas.  Contact the Program Coordinator for more information about The Big Issue Classroom in your city.

For further information regarding The Big Issue Classroom, including booking dates, fees and content please direct enquires to:

Danya Sterling
Program Coordinator – The Big Issue Classroom
E: DSterling@bigissue.org.au
D: +61 (0) 3 9663 9136
M: +61 (0) 401 657 395