New curriculum framework for WA schools to be introduced next year

9/4/97

A new curriculum framework for Western Australian students in all schools will be introduced next year and implemented in 1999.

Education Minister Colin Barnett today told State Parliament during the second reading of the Curriculum Council Bill 1997, that the new curriculum framework would, for the first time, apply to both Government and non-Government schools, and home schooling for all students from kindergarten to year 12.

Mr Barnett said the implementation of the curriculum framework would be mandatory for all schools and aimed to provide all students with the opportunity to achieve common defined learning outcomes. While providing a foundation for the curriculum, the framework would allow schools and education sectors to develop individual teaching and learning strategies to achieve these outcomes.

"The framework will not prescribe the curriculum," he said.

"This will be a matter for schools or education sectors to develop according to individual circumstances, special ethos and the background of students and will allow for a curriculum more flexible than is currently in place.

"The important factor is that the curriculum framework will be outcome-based, allowing flexibility in how those outcomes are to be reached."

Mr Barnett said that the framework had been worked on since late 1995, when a review into school curriculum development procedures led to the establishment of the Interim Curriculum Council. The review also recommended that the functions of the Secondary Education Authority be incorporated into the Curriculum Council.

The Interim Curriculum Council, which would be established as the Curriculum Council from July 1, had convened an extensive committee structure to design a framework in each of the eight learning areas of the arts; English; health and physical education; languages other than English; mathematics; science; society and environment; and technology and enterprise.

"One of the most significant aspects in developing the curriculum framework is the emphasis on collaboration and consultation with education and training bodies and with the general community," Mr Barnett said.

"Committees providing input on the framework involve a very wide range of people including,people with curriculum and classroom teacher expertise from all levels of the school system, TAFE, universities and professional associations, as well as parents, practitioners and people with broad community interests.

"In July, the curriculum framework will be released for public consultation, with the final framework to be phased in from next year and in all schools by 1999."

Mr Barnett said that the concept of 'values' would constitute an integral part of the curriculum framework.

"Schools are being asked for their input on civics and ethics, which will include values associated with social and civic responsibility, such as participation in the democratic process and promoting social justice, and basic values such as respect for life and property," he said.

The Minister said that the establishment of the Curriculum Council and its role to develop the new curriculum framework, was one of the major educational decisions made by the Coalition Government to date.

"It is important for all young people to be provided with the tools to deal effectively with the opportunities, challenges and changes which they encounter through life," he said.

"The Curriculum Council Bill is an initiative which has the support of the major education sectors, Government and non-Government, the vocational education and training and university sectors and parent groups."

Media contact: Justine Whittome (09) 222 9699