Primary school principals call for minimum content in a national primary curriculum

The Age, 8 August 2008; The Australian, 8 August 2008; Sydney Morning Herald, 8 August 2008

The Australian Primary Principals’ Association (APPA) has argued that a national primary curriculum should establish only a minimum essential content, and should be designed by primary school teachers and principals to prevent the primary school syllabus from becoming overcrowded.

In a newly-released position paper, APPA, which represents principals in government, independent and Catholic primary schools, has argued that the creation of a national curriculum should begin at the primary level. The paper states that ‘the discussion of a national curriculum has begun with a consideration of what is appropriate for the senior secondary years. The need of primary students, rather than secondary students, must provide the starting point for designing a national curriculum’.

They have argued that the Federal Government needs to create an advisory group on national primary curriculum and assessment, and that the majority of the group’s membership should be practicing primary teachers and principals.

According to the paper, ‘decisions about the form and content of the primary curriculum are the result of a political process in which governments consult with a large number of interest groups. This process, unless carefully managed, encourages the crowding of the curriculum as well as its fragmentation.’

APPA’s paper has also called on governments to increase funding for primary schools. In particular, APPA argued that governments should double the funding provided to primary schools in low socioeconomic areas.

To access a copy of the position paper, please visit the APPA website (PDF).

 

 

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