Standards raised with updated Australian Curriculum

Education ministers have endorsed a “decluttered” Australian Curriculum that sets higher expectations for what students know.

The updated curriculum supports deeper conceptual understanding and improvement in educational performance.

“The Australian Curriculum ensures the same high standard curriculum content is available to every student, regardless of where they live. It reflects the priorities and expectations we hold for our young people, and this curriculum sets a new high benchmark,” said ACARA CEO David de Carvalho.

“Importantly, this is a more stripped-back and teachable curriculum that identifies the essential content our children should learn. Together with new resources designed to support our teachers, it is expected the Australian Curriculum will lead to improved student outcomes.

“There is a stronger focus on phonics in English and on mastering essential mathematical facts, concepts, skills and processes. Students will be introduced to concepts and processes at the right time.

“History has been significantly decluttered, allowing more time for in-depth teaching. There is a strengthening of explicit teaching of consent and respectful relationships from F–10 in age-appropriate ways.”

Ministers considered the final draft earlier this year and were supportive of the revisions to six of eight learning areas, as well as the cross-curriculum priorities and the general capabilities. Further revisions were requested in Mathematics and the Humanities and Social Sciences, which have now been approved.

Australian Curriculum — summary of key changes

• The removal and reduction of content so the curriculum can be taught with depth and rigour, including a 21% reduction in the number of content descriptions, which describe what is to be taught and what students are expected to learn.
• A stronger focus on phonics in English.
• A stronger focus on students mastering the essential mathematical facts, skills, concepts and processes, and being introduced to these at the right time.
• Making clear what mathematical computations need to be done without a calculator, reinforcing the importance of achieving proficiency in foundational skills.
• A revision of the sequencing of content in Mathematics, in particular, telling time, introduction of fractions, recall of multiplication facts and the solution of linear equations.
• Lifting standards for Mathematics in Year 1 in relation to addition and subtraction, and with additional content setting expectations about recall and proficiency with multiplication facts (“times tables”) beginning in Year 2.
• Prioritising Australian history in Year 9 and 10 within a global context.
• Deepening students’ understanding of First Nations Australian histories and cultures, the impact on First Nations Australians of the arrival of British settlers as well as their contribution to the building of modern Australia.
• Strengthening and making explicit teaching about the origins and heritage of Australia’s democracy and the diversity of Australian communities.
• Strengthening the explicit teaching of consent and respectful relationships from F–10 in age-appropriate ways.
• Addition of privacy and security in the Digital Technologies curriculum.
• Strengthening the focus on students being physically active and content with a focus on activity in natural and outdoor settings.
• Strengthening the Foundation year by identifying the essential content to teach in the first year of school across all eight learning areas.
   

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