A comparative analysis of the Australian National Curriculum, the Queensland Early Years Curriculum and international curricula: what is

best practice and how do we ensure its implementation

Louise Ruzic

Similarities in Primary Curriculum Content Areas in Chosen Countries

(INCA, 2010)

“Supporting all young Australians to become successful learners, confident and creative individuals and active, informed citizens,

and developing a curriculum which will equip all young Australians with the essential skills, knowledge and capabilities

to thrive and compete in a globalized world and information rich workplaces of this century.”

(ACARA, 2009a p4)

Differences between Australian National Curriculum and Queensland Early Years Curriculum for Prep.

The Queensland Early Years Curriculum has emphasis on play based pedagogy and the stated influence by child development theories.(Queensland Studies Authority, 2006)

The Australian Curriculum focuses on content descriptions and achievement benchmarks.

(ACARA, 2009a)

The Australian national Curriculum has many similarities to the National Curriculum of the United Kingdom.

(ACARA, 2009a and Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, 1999)

Swedish National Curriculum has different focuses.

“Schools must impart, instill, and form in pupils the fundamental values of society; a sense of justice; generosity of spirit; tolerance and responsibility.”(Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, 1999 p6)

What is Best Practice in Early Childhood Curriculum

Development?“Curriculum is now understood as a process that seeks

depth of understanding within a specific area of knowledge and includes the processes of learning, seeking, critiquing

and utilizing information. This definition includes the personal values, attitudes and

social development of students.”(Hersh, 2009 p52)

Does the Australian National Curriculum meet Best Practice Criteria?

Is the curriculum

focused on societal values

based on child development theories

focused on how students learn?

Does the curriculum

contain specific pedagogical ideals

have broad content based goals

maintain teacher decision making

feature the roles of all education stakeholders?

How can Queensland Teachers look globally to implement Best

Practice in curriculum development?

Professionally engage with other teachers in person.

And electronically.

References

ACARA (2009a) Australian National curriculum Draft 1. Canberra: ACARA

ACARA (2009b) Shape of the Australian National Curriculum. Canberra: ACARA

Hersh, R.H. (2009) A well-rounded education for a flat world. Teaching for the 21st Century 67(1)

INCA (2010) International review of curriculum and assessment frameworks internet archive from http://inca.org.uk/index.html

Pramling, I., Sheriden, S., and Williams, P. (2003) Key Issues in Curriculum Development for Young Children. Goteburg: OECD

Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (1999) National Curriculum- United Kingdom. London: United Kingdom Government Press

Queensland Studies Authority (2010) Australian Draft Curriculum; Queensland Response Brisbane: Queensland Studies Authority

Queensland Studies Authority (2006) Queensland Early Years Curriculum Brisbane: Queensland Studies Authority

Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (1999) Swedish National Curriculum. Goteburg: Swedish Ministry of Education and Research