AUSTRALIYEAH

Get ready for Australia

Looking for Information on Australia

Enter what you are looking for!

What is the Australian Curriculum its Key Features

17 Jan, 2025 Study in Australia

The Australian Curriculum is a national framework that sets the educational standards and content to be taught in Australian schools, from Kindergarten through to Year 12. It is designed to ensure consistency in education across the country, while allowing for flexibility to meet the needs of local communities, students, and schools. The curriculum outlines what students are expected to learn in different subject areas and provides teachers with a guide to help deliver quality education.

The Australian Curriculum was developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), and it is implemented across all states and territories, with each region adapting the curriculum to meet local needs.

The Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what all Australians should be taught in school, regardless of where the education is imparted in Australia or their background. It aims at providing teachers and parents with a clear understanding of what needs to be covered as children progress.

Key Features of the Australian Curriculum

Content and Achievement Standards

The curriculum is divided into several key learning areas:

  • English: Focusing on developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
  • Mathematics: Covering number, algebra, measurement, geometry, statistics, and probability.
  • Science: Exploring biological, physical, chemical, and earth sciences.
  • Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS): Includes History, Geography, Civics and Citizenship, and Economics and Business.
  • The Arts: Encompasses visual arts, music, dance, drama, and media arts.
  • Health and Physical Education (HPE): Promotes physical health, wellbeing, and social skills.
  • Technologies: Includes Design and Technology and Digital Technologies.
  • Languages: Learning a language other than English (with various languages available based on school offerings).
  • Other Subjects: Depending on the school, additional subjects like Music, Drama, or Philosophy may also be included.

In addition to the learning areas, the Australian Curriculum focuses on developing general capabilities, which are essential skills students need for success in the modern world. These include:

  • Literacy: Reading, writing, and understanding language.
  • Numeracy: Using mathematical skills in real-world contexts.
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability.
  • Critical and Creative Thinking: Problem-solving and innovative thinking.
  • Personal and Social Capability: Managing oneself and interacting effectively with others.
  • Ethical Understanding: Understanding ethical issues and applying ethical principles.
  • Intercultural Understanding: Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures.

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

The Australian Curriculum also emphasizes three cross-curriculum priorities, which are integrated into all learning areas:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Fostering an understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples, their history, cultures, and contributions.
  • Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia: Promoting an understanding of the Asian region and its global connections.
  • Sustainability: Encouraging students to understand and act on environmental sustainability issues.

The standardization of the curriculum enables the comparison of student outcomes on a national level through assessments such as NAPLAN. This helps identify areas where educational standards may need to be improved.

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is the independent authority responsible for the development of the Australian Curriculum.

ACARA leads the national collaboration to produce the Foundation to Year 12 Australian Curriculum and draws on the best national talent and expertise, and consults widely to develop the Australian Curriculum.  Official Website – http://www.acara.edu.au/

Please refer to the Australian Curriculum website – http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/