Media Release - National Curriculum Supported by Educators

Seven key national associations representing Principals and School Leaders today reinforced their strong support for the implementation of a truly national Australian curriculum.

The Australian Primary Principals Association President, Leonie Trimper, said today that the time is now right for a national curriculum to be introduced into Australian schools and that Australian governments, State, Territory and Federal, must work together to realise this opportunity.

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“We believe that we have a unique window of opportunity now to finally see the realisation of a truly Australian national curriculum. Unless all governments are willing to work together implementation could be seriously hamstrung.”

The associations have positively engaged with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) on the development and implementation of the national curriculum.

The Australian Curriculum Studies Association Executive Director, Katherine Schoo, said that many associations have  individually contributed to the phase one draft of the national curriculum released in March by ACARA and will continue to make  future contributions. 

The associations will be receiving a briefing by ACARA on Friday 26 November and look forward to seeing how ACARA has responded to the issues raised by the associations throughout the consultation process.  They also understand that there will be an opportunity throughout 2011 to validate the achievement standards and revisit other aspects if necessary.  This is a positive move.

The associations acknowledge that an undertaking as large as the implementation of a national curriculum will from time to time lead to issues on development and implementation. They welcome the consultation the Australian Government and ACARA have undertaken to ensure that these matters are resolved ahead of the rollout of the national curriculum.

The associations look forward to working with ACARA and appreciate the sensibly timed and measured 3 year implementation timetable of a national Australian curriculum to the benefit of all Australian school students.