Development of the Australian curriculum

In April 2012, ACARA published the Curriculum Development Process (Version 6.0) which describes the curriculum development process used by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to develop the Australian Curriculum. It includes:

• an outline of the structures and the roles and responsibilities of the individuals and groups involved in the curriculum development process
• the major features of the four phases of the curriculum development process
• the key criteria for curriculum development
• the broad time frame and milestones for curriculum development that translate into specific curriculum development timelines for particular activities.

The Curriculum Development Process (v6.0) is to be read in conjunction with other documents including:

• Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (MCEETYA December 2008)
• The Shape of the Australian Curriculum v3.0 (ACARA 2011)
• The Curriculum Design Paper v3.0 (ACARA 2012) which provides design specifications to guide the writing of the Australian Curriculum

The curriculum development process involves four interrelated phases:

Curriculum Shaping Phase

A broad outline of the Foundation to Year 12 (F-12) curriculum for a learning area/subject firstly as an Initial Advice Paper and then as the Shape of the Australian Curriculum: < Learning Area> are developed. This paper, developed with expert advice, provides broad direction on the purpose, structure and organisation of the learning area. Along with the Curriculum Design Paper, it is intended to guide writers of the curriculum. It also provides a reference for judging the quality of the final curriculum documents for the learning area. This phase includes key periods of consultation including open public consultation as well as targeted consultation with key stakeholders.

Curriculum Writing Phase

Teams of writers, supported by expert advisory panels and ACARA curriculum staff, develop the Australian Curriculum. This includes the development of content descriptions and achievement standards. Writers are guided by ACARA’sCurriculum Design Paper and advice from the ACARA Board. Writers also refer to national and international curriculum and assessment research, state and territory curriculum materials, and research on the general capabilities and cross curriculum priorities. The draft Australian Curriculum for the learning area/subject is released for public consultation and subsequent modification in the light of feedback.

The writing phase incorporates the process for validation of achievement standards and culminates in publication of the Australian Curriculum for the learning area/subject.

Preparation for Implementation Phase

The curriculum is delivered to school authorities and to schools in an online environment in time for school authorities, schools and teachers to prepare for implementation. Implementation and support are the responsibility of state and territory school and curriculum authorities. ACARA works with state and territory curriculum and school authorities to support their ongoing implementation planning.

Monitoring and Evaluation Phase

Processes are put in place to monitor and review the Australian Curriculum. Monitoring will be coordinated by ACARA and will include partnerships with state and territory curriculum and school authorities where relevant data gathering is required.