Curriculum

Phase 1 - The Australian Curriculum

The Australian curriculum will be developed in the first phase for English, mathematics, science and history.

In May 2009, the Interim National Curriculum Board (NCB) published The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: English, Mathematics, Science and History. The shape papers are foundational documents that have guided the development of the Australian curriculum for each learning area in the first phase.

TheShape of the Australian Curriculum: English, proposed that K-10 curriculum in English be organised around three interrelated strands:

Language: The Language strand involves the development of a coherent, dynamic and evolving body of knowledge about the English language and how it works.
Literature: Students learn to interpret, appreciate, evaluate and create literary texts such as narrative, poetry, prose, plays, film and multimodal texts, in spoken, print and digital/online contexts.
Literacy: Students apply their English skills and knowledge to read, view, speak, listen to, write and create a growing repertoire of texts.

The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics,proposed that the K-10 mathematics curriculum:

Addresses key concept skills and processes for progression in mathematics
Is described in three content strands: Number and algebra, statistics and probability and measurement and geometry
Embeds the proficiencies of understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem solving
Assumes teachers will make use of available digital technology, including calculators in teaching and learning contexts

The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Science, proposed that the K-10 science curriculum:

Is organised around three interrelated strands: science understanding, science inquiry skills; and science as a human endeavour
Provides the basis for learning science that engages students in meaningful ways and prepares students to use science for life and active citizenship so that they can function effectively in a scientifically and technologically advanced society .
Provides a foundation for specific learning pathways leading to senior secondary science as well as science and engineering courses at university and technical and vocational education and training.

The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: History proposed that the K-10 history curriculum:

Is organised into two strands - historical knowledge and understanding and historical skills, described year by year
Ensures Australian history will be taught within a world history context, and not limited to world history from an Australian perspective
Divides years 7 -10 into four historical period
Includes overviews and depth studies
Recognises the importance of the process of historical inquiry
Integrates concepts of historical understanding, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, empathy, significance, perspectives and contestability