Structure and Development of Australian Curriculum

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Australia is entering into a new phase of curriculum whereby there will be no state by state curriculum. It will be a national curriculum that is developed by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). By introducing a national curriculum, the Australian Government is hoping to unify what is taught throughout the states/territories. It is possible to analyse the Australian Curriculum in terms of the definitions of curriculum it incorporates and how it is structured and how this is similar or different to various curriculum models. By using references from various readings and analysing the National Australian Curriculum, this paper will also address the purpose and goal that is promoted by the Australian Curriculum, how it is informed by factors such as learning theories, how it informs the teaching and assessment process and how it will cater for the needs of the 21st century learner.

The Australian Curriculum encompasses many different definitions of curriculum. Marsh (2008) provides various definitions of curriculum such as that it is a plan for learning, a plan for teaching, it is what is taught in schools, a set of subjects, content and a set of materials. Marsh (2010) also explores similar definitions in that curriculum is that which is taught in school, a set of subjects, content, materials, performance objectives and a plan. ACARA mention that the key elements for K-10 will be on content descriptions and achievement standards. It also points out that it will show what teachers are to teach and what students need to learn. Brady & Kennedy (2010) have provided a definition of curriculum that is linked with that of working people and write that it is a means by which students gain the requisite ...

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...Curriculum. Retrieved on March 18, 2011 from http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/curriculum.html

Board of Studies NSW (2007) NSW Primary Curriculum Foundation Statements. Retrieved on March 23, 2011, from http://k6.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/files/foundation- statements/foundation_statements.pdf

Brady,L. and Kennedy, K. (2007) Curriculum Construction (4th ed.) Frenchs Forest NSW: Pearson Australia

Marsh, C. (2008) Becoming a Teacher (4th ed.). French’s Forest NSW: Pearson Education

Marsh, C. (2010) Becoming a Teacher (5th ed.). French’s Forest NSW: Pearson Education

Quinn, D. (2010) Curriculum Corporation An Australian Curriculum to Promote 21st Century Learning. Retrieved on March 23, 2011, from http://www.eqa.edu.au/site/anaustraliancurriculumtopromote21stcentury.html

Wiles, J. (2005). Curriculum Essentials A Resource for Educators (2nd ed.). Pearson Education

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