From the President: Updated curriculum implementation to begin in 2024
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 127 No 7, 30 September 2022, page no. 7
Approved this year by a meeting of Education Ministers, the updated Prep-10 Australian Curriculum (Version 9) has been the centre point of ongoing discussions between the Queensland Teachers’ Union, the Department of Education, and the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA).
The implementation schedule is currently being finalised, but Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum is set to be introduced in a staged approach.
At this point in time, however, we can share with you that in Queensland state schools, implementation will commence from 2024 with English and mathematics. A staged approach to implementing the remaining learning areas will continue in 2025, with full implementation to be completed during 2026.
A full implementation schedule will be released to schools shortly.
As a key stakeholder in negotiations with the department and the QCAA, the QTU has been the driving force for instigating measures that will see the roll out process enhanced from that experienced when the Australian Curriculum was initially implemented more than a decade ago.
During recent meetings, the QTU has made sure that discussions are focused on:
- the scope of resourcing to be provided by QCAA and DoE
- the roll out of a multi-platform PD program
- what the curriculum looks like at a school level
- the collaboration, and support required to assist, given the Queensland manner of implementation.
During ongoing discussion with the DoE and QCAA, the QTU has raised the following important considerations:
- the timeline and manner of implementation
- the complexities of early years and multi-age settings and support that may be required at a school level
- the need for schools to consult with their local consultative committee regarding implementation and the workload associated with it, regardless of implementation schedules
- the support to be provided to teachers and school leaders in implementing V9.
For the past 18 months, the QTU has been actively seeking feedback from QTU members with regard to V9 implementation, via school visits, branch meetings, area councils and workshops.
Ongoing and consistent feedback from members has included:
- the updated curriculum was supposed to have less content than previous versions
- Queensland’s approach to implementation must take the associated workload into account
- teachers and school leaders must be supported throughout the transition, including the provision of additional time for familiarisation.
Formal discussions with the DoE and QCAA are continuing, and the QTU will ensure that the processes put in place are clear, aligned, and support teachers and school leaders in schools.
Our advice regarding implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum remains the same. Hasten slowly, sensibly and consider what alterations may be required. It will be a staged implementation.
The department and QCAA are aligning and creating resources to assist schools, including a curriculum gateway and “at a glance” materials. Now is the time for familiarisation, in order to be ready for implementation when schedules are finalised.