NSW Curriculum gets major overhaul
The NSW curriculum is to get a major overhaul. There will be a new focus on basic skills for younger students, de-cluttering, and better preparation for work for older students.
Announcing the reform package Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said: 'Every student must be able to read, write and understand mathematical concepts. Mastering literacy and numeracy in the early years is vital. This mastery of knowledge is important, not just because these are the building blocks for all further learning, but also to ensure that students can develop advanced skills using that knowledge: critical and creative thinking, collaboration and communication skills. We need to ensure that every student is improving every year, able to fulfil their own potential, develop skills and talents and explore their creativity. We need a system that meets the needs of every child, no matter where they live or which school they attend. Our commitment must be to ensure that every school is a safe and supportive place, where every student can improve and thrive.
'The NSW Government is reforming the curriculum that will be taught in every NSW classroom to ensure that we focus on the key areas of learning to successfully prepare our students for a complex and fast-changing world. We are reforming the NSW education system, one of the largest in the world, with a clear focus on making sure our schools and teachers are supported to deliver improved student outcomes. This includes the opportunity for students to engage in further education and employment when they leave school.'
The NSW government's reforms are based on the recommendations of a review of the curriculum conducted by Professor Geoff Masters, but details of their implementation are not yet clear.
'The review recognises that there is too much clutter in most syllabuses. The new curriculum will give teachers and students more time to focus on the key learning areas necessary for a deeper understanding of core concepts. The new curriculum will also ensure every student develops strong foundations for learning, life and work,' said Minister Mitchell.
- The new curriculum will start across all years by 2024.
- A fifth of high school electives will be cut and students will be required to meet an acceptable standard in every subject before finishing school.
- Fewer HSC courses will be developed and there will be more opportunities for senior students to gain credits for qualifications in apprenticeships.
- "The feasibility of not calculating and reporting the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)" maybe reviewed.
Professor Masters also proposed requiring every HSC student undertake a major investigative project.
During consultation for the review, 94 per cent of teachers agreed that existing syllabuses were overcrowded and content needed to be reduced, and 90 per cent of parents wanted their child to move at their own pace. Nine out of 10 parents agreed minimum standards were necessary to establish where students were in their learning progression.