Taxation systems and living standards

NSW Commerce Stage 5 100

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Introduction

In this activity, students investigate the living standards of different countries in the Asia region. They locate display and interpret data to explain the relationship between living standards and taxation systems (tax revenue and spending). They collaboratively model the consequences of significant reductions to government spending to further explain this relationship.

This activity contributes to the following outcomes.

A student:

  • applies consumer, financial, economic, business, legal, political and employment concepts and terminology in a variety of contexts COM5-1
  • researches and assesses information using a variety of sources COM5-7
  • explains information using a variety of forms COM5-8
  • works independently and collaboratively to meet individual and collective goals within specified timeframes COM5-9.

Related Stage 4 outcomes: COM4-1, COM4-7, COM4-8, COM4-9

Related Life Skills outcomes: COMLS-11, COMLS-12, COMLS-13

Content descriptions

Option 1: Our Economy

Performance of the Australian economy

Students:

  • examine the indicators of, and influences on, the performance of the Australian economy, including: (ACHEK050, ACHEK051)
    • ways of assessing the performance of the Australian economy, e.g. standard of living, economic growth, income distribution and environmental sustainability (ACHEK050)
  • research the performance of the Australian economy using key indicators, including: (ACHEK050)
    • possible reasons for its performance
    • a comparison of its performance with one other economy in the Asia region

Student learning resources

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Investigation

Taxation systems and living standards

 
Instructions

What if?

Suggested activity sequence

This sequence is intended as a framework to be modified and adapted by teachers to suit the needs of a class group. The activity was written for students in Stage 5, however it can be modified to suit the needs of Stage 4 students and Life skills students.

  1. Discuss with students what they know about tax and how the money collected in tax is spent. Explain that tax revenue and spending is also known as the taxation system.
  2. Explain to students that they will be investigating the relationship between a country’s taxation system and its living standards.
  3. Students complete the investigation.
  4. Invite students to present their infographics to the class.
  5. Use a grouping strategy to organise students into groups of 3 or 4.
  6. Groups use the group instructions to complete the ‘What is’ scenario.
  7. As a class discuss:
    • the extent to which a high level of taxation is necessary for a good welfare system
    • the extent to which a high level of taxation is necessary for high living standards.
  8. Students write a short statement (no more than 150 words) responding to one of the statements above.

Useful prior learning