Early reaction to curriculum review a good sign for Australian students

Minister for Education, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP said today’s positive stakeholder response to the review of the national curriculum is a welcome sign, and shows a willingness to work together to ensure all Australian students can get a better education. “I’m pleased to say that judging by comments in today’s media, the states, territories, Catholic and Independent schools’ sectors are overwhelmingly ready and willing to work with us to ensure our curriculum helps put students first,” Mr Pyne said. “The Australian Government’s initial response to the review is a starting point to discuss with stakeholders how we can improve what and how our kids are taught in schools,” Mr Pyne said. The Government’s Initial Response focusses on five key themes of the Review: addressing the identified concerns of an overcrowded curriculum; improving parental engagement around the curriculum; improving accessibility for all students – particularly those with disability; rebalancing the curriculum – ensuring that a range of views are taught; and reviewing the governance of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) – ensuring its members have the highest expertise and that it operates independently of government. “For a long time I’ve been hearing that the curriculum is too crowded and students simply can’t take it all in. I’ve been hearing that some viewpoints have been taught whilst others have been largely or completely excluded,” Mr Pyne said. “I’ve also been hearing that an increased focus on phonics, reading, writing and maths is key to giving young Australians the skills for success in the 21st century. “Comments I’m seeing reported from the Victorian and Queensland Premiers about a more ‘back to basics’ approach, those from the New South Wales Education Minister on improving teacher quality and comments from the National Catholic Education Commission on rebalancing the curriculum confirm that the reviewers have reflected the key stakeholder concerns. “More importantly, this feedback from stakeholders reinforces the urgent need for us to work together to improve the curriculum. “The Government stands ready to work to achieve this, and we are pleased so many stakeholders are showing that they are equally willing to work with us for the benefit of every Australian student. “I look forward to meeting with my state and territory colleagues, and non-government schools sectors representatives to consider and implement the recommendations of the Review,” Mr Pyne said. The Review and the Government’s response will contribute to the Students First approach focusing on four areas to make a difference to students: teacher quality school autonomy engaging parents in education strengthening the curriculum. To view the final report or for more information visit: http://www.studentsfirst.gov.au/review-australian-curriculum