The history and implementation of the Australian curriculum. Successes, opportunities and challenges

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Pedagogy - School System, Educational and School Politics, grade: A, Kenyatta University, language: English, abstract: Curriculum is one of the most important elements of education system. A curriculum is essential in planning the education process and procedures such as terms, sessions and lesion periods over a given period of time. In general, a curriculum encompasses a continuous chain of activities required to translate the goals of an education system into specific activities, materials and observable behavior changes. In other words, curriculum is a set of interrelated plans and experiences that students must complete under the guidance of the school or early childhood settings. Some studies defined a curriculum as the sum of all student experiences within the education process. In this regard, curriculum consists of the interaction between students and the instructional content, materials, resources and processes in a manner that can assist in evaluation of education goals. In most cases, curricula are standardized and incorporate high level of autonomy of the learner and instructor. Most countries around the world including Australia have a curriculum that is used to act as a guide in primary and secondary education.

Specifically, Australian curriculum can be described as a national curriculum used by all primary and secondary schools to realise progressive development, review and implementation of education activities and processes in Australia. Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is an independent body tasked with the development and review of the Australian curriculum. Currently, states and territories of Australia are engaged in implementation of various aspects of Foundation to Year 10 part of the curriculum. The curriculum contains expected performance outcomes and content for all Australian teachers and students. It also provides various strategies and tactics that can assist in delivering the objectives of education as well as behavioral changes which are necessary in acceleration of student learning. However, effective implementation of the curriculum can face numerous opportunities and challenges which significantly impact on the expected outcomes.