The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

The Australian Curriculum is copping fresh criticism – what is it supposed to do?

  • Written by Stephanie Wescott, Lecturer in Education, Monash University
A student works at a desk with a notebook, ruler, phone and books.

This week a new report[1] said there was a “curriculum problem” in Australia. Education consultancy group Learning First[2] found the science curriculum lacked depth and breadth and had major problems with sequencing and clarity.

While the report said it was not “assigning blame directly to the curriculum”, it also noted since the Australian Curriculum was introduced more than a decade ago, “the performance of students in international […] science assessments has fallen by almost a whole year of schooling”.

Headlines followed about a “shockingly poor[3]” curriculum and “long-term decline[4]” in performance. At the same time, The Australian reported[5] concerns the curriculum does not provide enough guidance to teachers.

While students’ scores on some international assessments have been falling[6], is it right to blame the curriculum for these trends?

What is the Australian Curriculum?

The Australian Curriculum[7] is designed for students from the first year of schooling to Year 10.

It sets out:

the expectations for what all young Australians should be taught, regardless of where they live in Australia or their background.

It is made up of eight “learning areas”: English, mathematics, science, humanities and social sciences, the arts, technologies, health and physical education, and languages.

It has been described as a “map”[8] of all the learning a teacher covers in each year for each particular subject.

Importantly, as education experts note[9], the curriculum was never meant to be prescriptive and nor should it be. Teachers should be able to tailor lessons to particular classes, situations and students.

A small child looks in his backpack.
The Australian Curriculum is for the first year of schooling to Year 10. Darren England/AAP

Read more: Why do Australian states need a national curriculum, and do teachers even use it?[10]

Who sets the curriculum?

It is designed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, in consultation with teachers, academics, parents, business, industry and community groups. It undergoes a review every six years and all updates are subject to ministerial approval.

Commonwealth and state and territory education ministers first approved the curriculum in 2009. It was designed to reflect the priorities of the 2008 Melbourne Declaration[11] on the purposes and goals of Australian education. For example, “Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence”.

The curriculum has since been updated four times (as recently as April 2022 under the Morrison government) but remains a contested document[12]. Common criticisms[13] include that the curriculum is overcrowded, too complicated, too political[14] and not inclusive enough.

Teacher shortages and lack of funding

Given the curriculum has to cover so much diverse content and serve so many purposes, criticism is all but inevitable.

While it is important to scrutinise the curriculum, it does not dictate how students learn or the conditions they learn in. So we should not let “curriculum wars[15]” distract us from other issues hurting Australian schools and education.

Australia is in the midst of a serious teacher shortage[16]. In New South Wales alone[17], 10,000 classes per day are not adequately staffed due to shortages. Teachers are plagued by excessive workloads[18], abuse[19] and a lack of respect[20] for the profession.

Public schools are also battling dire funding shortages[21]. A report[22] for the Australian Education Union recently found private schools were overfunded by about $800 million in 2023, while government schools were underfunded by $4.5 billion.

This is based on the Schooling Resource Standard[23], which outlines the minimum funding standard required for schools to respond adequately to their students’ needs.

In chronically underfunded schools with staffing shortages, it is no surprise students’ performance will be affected, regardless of teachers’ efforts – or whatever is in the curriculum.

A student works at a desk with a notebook, ruler, phone and books.
Recent figures show 10,000 classes in NSW are without a teacher per day. Tamarcus Brown/Unsplash, CC BY-SA[24][25]

What do schools actually need?

The curriculum should be revised, challenged and critiqued to ensure it is responsive to the ever-changing needs of Australian students. We should also hold high expectations for quality education in Australia.

But blaming the curriculum for underperformance is a distraction from bigger issues that impact student learning.

What schools really need to succeed is adequate funding[26] and a stable and well-supported[27] teaching workforce.

Read more: What is the National School Reform Agreement and what does it have to do with school funding?[28]

References

  1. ^ report (learningfirst.com)
  2. ^ Learning First (learningfirst.com)
  3. ^ shockingly poor (www.smh.com.au)
  4. ^ long-term decline (www.theguardian.com)
  5. ^ The Australian reported (www.theaustralian.com.au)
  6. ^ have been falling (www.smh.com.au)
  7. ^ Australian Curriculum (www.australiancurriculum.edu.au)
  8. ^ been described as a “map” (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ education experts note (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ Why do Australian states need a national curriculum, and do teachers even use it? (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ Melbourne Declaration (files.eric.ed.gov)
  12. ^ contested document (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ criticisms (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ too political (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ curriculum wars (www.smh.com.au)
  16. ^ serious teacher shortage (www.education.gov.au)
  17. ^ New South Wales alone (www.abc.net.au)
  18. ^ excessive workloads (journals.sagepub.com)
  19. ^ abuse (theconversation.com)
  20. ^ lack of respect (theconversation.com)
  21. ^ dire funding shortages (www.theguardian.com)
  22. ^ report (www.aeufederal.org.au)
  23. ^ Schooling Resource Standard (www.education.gov.au)
  24. ^ Tamarcus Brown/Unsplash (unsplash.com)
  25. ^ CC BY-SA (creativecommons.org)
  26. ^ adequate funding (www.abc.net.au)
  27. ^ well-supported (blog.aare.edu.au)
  28. ^ What is the National School Reform Agreement and what does it have to do with school funding? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/the-australian-curriculum-is-copping-fresh-criticism-what-is-it-supposed-to-do-218914

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping