Science Teachers Association NSW Position Paper on ACARA Curriculum version 9.0 


In May 2022, Education Ministers endorsed Version 9.0 of the F-10 Australian Curriculum, updated as a result of the review undertaken by ACARA in 2020-2022. The review sought to improve the curriculum from Foundation to Year 10 by refining, realigning and decluttering the content of the Australian Curriculum. The Science Teachers Association NSW believes this is commendable, and we acknowledge the various considerations in undertaking this review. 

This paper was developed by a STANSW Think Tank comprising classroom teachers and academics, established to review the curriculum, identify strengths and areas of concern, and provide recommendations to NESA for the new NSW syllabus.

Priority areas of concern identified by the Think Tank include:  

-There is a trend of content being introduced prior to appropriate scaffolding of concepts. Well-established empirical evidence demonstrates that building conceptual understanding at developmentally appropriate stages is foundational to sound understanding. 

-There is a trend of content being introduced at earlier ages, prior to the stage at which students are developmentally capable of understanding the concepts. READ MORE ...

 

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Submission to Parliamentary Inquiry Into Teacher Shortages in NSW   


July 2022 

We recently reached out to our valued community of science teachers to gather feedback and inform a submission to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Teacher Shortages. 

We received an overwhelming response, and want to thank each and every science teacher who provided their feedback! 

  • Evidence shows that the current teacher shortage crisis in NSW has been building over a significant number of years. The pipeline of new teachers entering the profession is inadequate, and attrition rates are high.  

  • Science teachers are reporting high levels of dedication and commitment; however they are also reporting continued increases in administration and workload, feelings of burnout and intentions to leave the profession. 

  • Science teacher shortages must be addressed to support aspirations of a future STEM workforce in NSW and Australia. 

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A missed opportunity to equip students for the 21st century 

 

Coinciding with our appearance before the Parliamentary Education Committee on Monday November 30, we launched the Association’s position paper on the NSW Curriculum Reform.   

The paper highlights the importance of science education to ensure a scientifically literate population, able to apply logic, think critically and solve problems. 

We support the ambitious reform recommended by Prof. Masters that sought to re-organise structure and content of the wider curriculum and responded appropriately to the needs identified by the school community

The Government’s Response is a missed opportunity. The truncated timeframe of four years, rather than the ten recommended by Professor Masters, means that there is insufficient time for the Government to develop appropriate modelling of the visionary recommendations posed by Professor Masters, undertake the necessary consultation with the teaching community to ensure success of the reform and to develop a curriculum that is internationally competitive.

Download the full Position Paper here.  

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August 2020 

The NSW Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No. 3 - Education are undertaking an Inquiry into the contents of and proposed changes to the NSW school curriculum. We believe Prof Masters consulted widely, effectively considered issues and made recommendations consistent with the terms of reference to his Review. Our submission to this Inquiry is here. 


July 2020

We have established a Think Tank to guide our positions in relation to the NSW Curriculum Reform. All members are welcome to be part of this Think Tank. The Think Tank will be brought together from time to time for workshop and roundtables and to provide feedback and commentary on positions and documents we create in relation to the reform. 

If you're interested in being part of this conversation please email [email protected].

June 2020

The NSW Government released their final report Nurturing Wonder and Igniting Passion laying out a roadmap for reform of the NSW Curriculum on 23 June 2020. The full report can be read here. As your Association we are here to support and represent you during this time of change.  We will be conducting a range of consultations with members to assist in understanding the reforms and to provide a voice for the science teaching community of NSW as this reform takes place. 

Read our statement on the release of the Final Review Report here.

Please register your interest to be involved in our further discussions regarding this reform with our Executive Officer via [email protected]

December 2019

The NSW Government is undertaking a review of the NSW Curriculum which proposes a 10 year reform process. The reform is an ambitious plan that seeks to reorganise both the structure and content of the curriculum so that students are placed at the centre of decisions and at an individual level be supported to realise an entitlement of educational attainment. Whilst there is more to be worked out in practical terms and much more input from teachers required to help shape the direction of the reform, we see the current efforts as being commendable. Read our full submission here

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