The expectations placed on teachers and teacher educators have increased particularly in relation to education topics such as relationships and sex education. One group of four pre-service teachers and a teacher educator based in an Australian university studying a Bachelor of Education (primary) share their experiences of teaching and learning in…

This article provides a summary account of the book, "A Mission to the Heart of Young People: Catholic Curriculum", published in Australia in 2012. To preserve the true mission and religious integrity of Catholic schools in the face of secularism and "national economic requirements", it is argued that Catholic schools must…

Recent moves in Australia to institute a national curriculum emanated from federal governments of ostensibly different political persuasions in the period from 2003, building on developments that go back over 25 years. This article traces continuities and new developments, meditating on two questions: whether the current moves are politically…

In the 1970s there emerged a strong call for a core curriculum in Britain, Canada, and Australia. The implications of any attempt to define the content of a universal core for the schools of any state are examined through an examination of the Australian experience. (RM)

A study of the implementation of national core curricula in Australia was undertaken by seeking the general views, through interview and questionnaire, of curriculum developers and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) teachers who develop and deliver the curricula. Views of representatives of industry and commerce who employ students who are…

There has been considerable interest in identifying content and structure for secondary core curriculum based on common values in Australia and other countries. The beginnings of a core curriculum not tied to traditional subjects exist in Australia, but a major obstacle is in providing local school support. (MSE)

As part of a study of the development and implementation of the National Core Curricula (NCC) in Australia, a historical background was prepared from a number of data sources and views on NCC were sought from senior Technical and Further Education (TAFE) officers in Australia. More specific information was sought in three case studies, the project…

A recent examination of the secondary education in New South Wales has led to the conclusion that foreign language study would best meet the needs of the community as one of the social sciences in the core curriculum. Bases for this conclusion are discussed. (RM)

Discusses the role of a core curriculum in language instruction in Australia. The semantics of "core curriculum" are treated. Arguments are given for methods of developing a core curriculum and for the inclusion of second language instruction in the core. Implications are discussed for language teaching and the educational system. (PJM)

The article discusses the educational situation in Queensland and offers an alternative to the present open education plan. It suggests: that traditional education is appropriate for teaching basic skills, as in specific areas of mathematics where one level of mastery may depend on certain knowledge at a lower level; that curricula which are…

The need for continuing education about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) was assessed for health care workers in metropolitan South Australia. Seventeen focus group discussions were held to solicit the views and experiences of various persons regarding HIV/AIDS tertiary education. Included in the…

A study conducted in 1981-82 examined program organization in the secondary division of Western Australia's district high schools. Because small secondary schools throughout the Western World are increasing in number, the study had as its genesis a concern for such schools and an appreciation of the difficulties they face in maintaining viable…

Over recent years there has been an increasing amount of public and political discussion of educational directions and educational accountability in relation to Australian primary and secondary schools. The study reported in this monograph attempted to address these concerns through a four-stage process: a review of literature exploring community…