1) Identify and describe the influences and discourses surrounding the development of each curriculum statement.
• Australia – the Australian Curriculum (ACARA, 2014) and EYLF (DEEWR, 2009)
In 2008, Australia saw its educational framework altered and transformed by the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (MCEETYA, 2008). With its two underpinning goals (MCEETYA, 2008): 1) “Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence” and 2) “All young Australians become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active and informed citizens” - the declaration’s aesthetically pleasing language and presentation seemingly promised a more personalised and ‘humanistic’ approach for the contemporary educational climate. Given Australia’s Labour government at this time, the declaration’s politically-motivated language and emphasis for social equity and social justice further enforced, then prime Minister, Kevin Rudd’s proposed ‘education revolution’, which aimed to embrace the ‘Australian’ ‘fair go for all’ mentality and provide a meaningful, enriching education to all (MCEETYA, 2008; Reid, 2009). The emphasis on social justice at this given time, is further promoted by Rudd’s iconic apology to Indigenous Australians on the 13th February 2008 (Australian Government, 2014). Through encompassing these philosophies, the Melbourne declaration (MCEETYA, 2008) provided the basis for the first national early childhood framework – Early Years Learning Framework [EYLF] (DEEWR, 2009) and first national curriculum – The Australian Curriculum (ACARA, 2014).
In establishing the EYLF (DEEWR, 2009) many educators and academics hoped the early childhood field would attain recognition for its role as the firs...
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...007). Children’s rights and early childhood education: Links to theory and advocacy. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 32(3), 1-8.
Sumsion, J., Cheeseman, S., Kennedy, A., Barnes, S., Harrison, L., & Stonehouse, A. (2009). Insider perspectives on developing belonging, being and becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 34(4), 4-13.
UNICEF (2014). UNICEF – Convention on the Rights of the Child. Retrieved 18th June 2014, from: http://www.unicef.org/crc/
Wadham, B., Pudsey, J. & Boyd, R. (2007). Culture and Education. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
Young, M. (1958). The Rise of the Meritocracy, 1870-2033. London: Thames & Hudson.
Zajda, J., Davies, L. & Majhanovich, S. (Eds.) (2008). Comparative and Global Pedagogies: Equity, Access and Democracy in Education. São Paulo: Springer.
The first Australian Professional Teaching Standard is ‘Know students and how they learn’(AITSL, 2011). Understanding how students learn is a significant component of effective teaching (1.2 AITSL, 2011). Furthermore, effective teachers require an understanding of students physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics (1.1 AITSL, 2011). In addition, APST Standards require teachers to demonstrate both content and pedagogical knowledge through lesson plans (2.1 AITSL, 2011) with the curriculum content being structured and sequenced to facilitate effective learning (2.2 AITSL, 2011). However, it is also critical to have a repertoire of teaching strategies which are responsive to a diverse range of student backgrounds, including linguistic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic (1.3 AITSL, 2011). An effective learning, in accordance with The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority, provides learners with general capabilities (knowledge, skills, behaviours and characteristics) and include understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students learning needs and incorporate differentiated teaching methods to meet the needs of specific
Fellowes, J., & Oakley, G. (2010). Language, literacy and early childhood education. South Melbourne, Victoria: Oxford University Press.
Wells, Karen C.. "rescuing children and children's rights." Childhood in a global perspective. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2009. 168-169. Print.
United Nations (1989). Convention on the Rights of the Child.[online] Available at: [Accessed 1 April 2014].
(Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2016). As a Pre-Service Teacher specialising in Early Childhood Education, it is imperative to understand how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities were treated in the past and the impact that this may have on Indigenous families in the
Margaret Bell (2008).Promoting Children’s Right in Social Work and Social Care:A Guid to Participating Pratice.London:Jessica Kinsely Publisher
The results of quality preschool programs can be seen early after they begin. Children learn many important life le...
Demonstrate a strong understanding of current Australian early childhood education and care reform agenda in Australia since 2007. The Australian ECE and care reform agenda was initiated, in 2007, due to a concern for the wellbeing and increasingly poor outcomes for children in several key areas. Evidence confirmed the importance and impact of a child’s health, well-being, development and learning in the early years, therefore the need for an NQF and NQS was initiated. The impact of social change over recent decades has shown families struggling to function and aid in their child’s development.
Fass, P. S. (2004). Children's rights. In Encyclopedia of children and childhood: In history and society (Vol. 1, pp. 186-187). New York, NY: Macmillan Reference USA.
In the end, as early childhood educators we want to fight the constant layers of oppression our generation currently encourages and condones into what America is made up to be. By identifying our personal biases, understanding our many social identities, examining institutional advantages and disadvantages, understanding internalized privilege and oppression, and finally learning how to take action we can change the way kids socially identify themselves and create a wholesome environment where we are all equal. By respecting and coaching healthy ways of life, our children can only grow to help future generations and facilitate a growing America with positive results.
Wadham, B., Pudsey, J.& Boyd, R. (2007) Culture and Education, Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
To reach the universal education goal for all children, special efforts should be clearly made by policymakers like addressing the social, economic...
Isenberg, J. P., & Jalongo, M. R. (2000). Exploring your role: A practitioner’s introduction to early childhood education. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Early childhood education plays a key role in a child’s academic development because he or she learns soft skills, job skills, and develop positive traits. Preschool is not like kindergarten, but instead a stepping-stone that prepares young students for the years of schooling they will have later in life. As more schools began to open families wanted to be able to verify that programs would benefit and protect their children. In response, the National Association for the Education of Young Children was made to help families find the best care for their children, by providing the early childhood educators with training and ensuring the quality of children’s daily experiences. (“NAEYC”5).
The purpose of early childhood education is to firstly learn about one’s self and agency, how one’s actions can affect and impact others; to develop a sense of identity; who you are and how you fit into this world. Experience a sense of belonging through interactions with peers and teachers whilst celebrating and sharing diverse cultures whilst embracing others. Children need to have opportunities to explore, experiment, to gain insight and knowledge in numeracy, literacy, science and social structure through innovative and richly supported curriculums (DEEWR, 2009). I have very high expectations of all children as I believe that this assists in building self-confidence and