Curriculum

Independent schools have enjoyed a high degree of autonomy over their curriculum.  Many have opted to implement the Victorian Essential Learning Standards VELS.  Government and Catholic schools use VELS as their framework.  Some independent schools follow alternative curriculum frameworks.

In December 2008 State Territory and Commonwealth Ministers of Education released the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians which sets the direction for Australian schooling for the next ten years.

Goal 1                    Australian schooling promotes equity and excellence.

Goal 2                    All young Australians become:

                                Successful learners

                                Confident and creative individuals

                                Active and informed citizens

Together all Australian governments have committed to working with all school sectors and the broader community to achieve the educational goals outlined in the Melbourne Declaration. 

A Four Year Plan 2009 - 2012 has been developed to accompany the Melbourne Declaration.  It outlines key strategies and initiatives Australian governments will undertake in eight inter-related areas in order to support the achievement of the educational goals for young Australians.

The Melbourne Declaration specifies the following learning areas:

• English
• Mathematics
• Sciences (including physics, chemistry, biology)
• Humanities and Social Sciences (including history, geography, economics, business, civics and citizenship)\
• The arts (performing and visual)
• Languages (especially Asian languages)
• Health and Physical Education
• Information and Communications Technology and design and technology

For further information, visit: http://www.mceetya.edu.au/mceecdya/

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for curriculum and assessment for students in Victoria.  Its website contains information on:

• VELS
• The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
• The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
• The Victorian Early Years Learning and development Framework (VEYLDF 0 – 8)
• National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Visit http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/ for further information.

In 2008, the Commonwealth Government announced that a national curriculum will be developed for all Australian school students.  The new curriculum will cover all years from Prep. to Year 12.  Curriculum development will start with English, mathematics, sciences and history.  This will be followed by geography, Languages other than English and t The Arts.  There have been no announcements about the inclusion of other subjects in the national curriculum.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment, Reporting Authority (ACARA) has been established in 2009.  It is responsible for:

• A national curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 in specified learning areas.
• A national assessment program aligned to the national curriculum that measures students’ progress.
• A national data collection and reporting program that supports:
• analysis, evaluation, research and resource allocation; and
• accountability and reporting on schools and broader national achievement.

For further information, visit: http://www.acara.edu.au/default.asp

Schools in Victoria are required to meet minimum standards for registration as described in the Education and Training Reform Regulations 2007.  Minimum standards are specified for Curriculum and Student Learning including:

• Curriculum framework
• Student learning outcomes
• Monitoring and reporting on students’ performance

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) regulates all education and training providers in Victoria.  Two guides have been developed to provide advice to schools regarding the minimum standards and other requirements for registration

Visit http://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/default.htm for further information

The Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) website provides useful information on a wide range of topics for students, teachers, parents and school leaders. 

For further information, visit: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/

Downloads

• The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians