Evaluating the history of school education in Australia offers invaluable insights into the issues and debates which characterise one of our nation’s most fundamental institutions. From dame schools and one teacher classrooms in the outback to the growth of private schools under public funding in recent years, Australia has demonstrated a diversity of curricula across each state and territory. The SACE program in South Australia has never been more important to families and often generates great public discourse surrounding educational standards and student outcomes. The Student Learning Plan (PLP) and Research Project are two examples where the South Australian government and SACE encourage the development of high-quality learning and assessment design. Both subjects reject a traditional teacher-centred pedagogical approach. Instead, they foster student-led independent creativity and inquiry relevant to a pupil’s personal and learning goals. They are highlighted in the SACE’s seven key capabilities, the criteria aligned with the national curriculum that aims to develop life-long research skills (SACE 2019).
Historically, Australia has abandoned or inadequately provided education for Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Churchill et al. 2013, emphasises ‘the little interest in the education of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children’ (Churchill et al., 2013). Inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students still stands a paramount as a social, cultural and political issue today. The SACE Board Aboriginal Education Strategy 2017-2021 aims to prepare more Aboriginal students to achieve their SACE while maintaining their Aboriginal culture and identity, as well as positioning them to succeed in their local community and as global citizens (SACE 2019). This commitment reflects aspects of Aboriginal education have both endured and changed over time. The importance of productive learning tasks and intellectual engagement across discipline can allow the education sector to enhance and develop the learning outcomes and capabilities for Aboriginal students.
Relevant Links:
Geography SACE curriculum overview 2019
English SACE curriculum overview 2019
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST)
Works Cited:
Churchill, R et al. 2013, Teaching: Making a Difference, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, Milton.
SACE.sa.edu.au. (2019). Home - South Australian Certificate of Education.