Curriculum Frameworks

The overarching philosophy and practice of curriculum across the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn is founded in the Archdiocesan Religious Education Curriculum Core Document, Treasures New and Old and is guided by New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory Education Act requirements across Years K –12.

The Catholic school responds to its mission by offering a particular cultural experience that is grounded in ‘…a Christian view of the world, of culture, and of history’.

[Catholic Schools on the Threshold of the Third Millennium. (1997). n.14]

In proposing minimum curriculum requirements for the Key Learning Areas within the Catholic schools it is critical to note that: ‘every curriculum area…has a religious dimension, a capacity to assist students to examine the world of human culture and the world of religion, providing knowledge and skills, and fostering attitudes and values that are life-giving and that assist young people to search for meaning and truth.

• skills such as reflection, critical thinking, problem solving, analysis and discernment – all of which promote the search for truth and meaning;
• a moral sensitivity and a heightened capacity to distinguish between what is life- giving and what is dehumanising;
• the gospel values of love, compassion, reconciliation, transformation, justice and hope;
• a generosity of spirit that calls forth a commitment to the service of others and of creation generally;
• the capacity to shine the light of faith on the surrounding culture – to reflect, to judge and to choose’.

[Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (2000) Treasures New and Old Core Document, p. 25]

NSW

The NSW Education Reform Act (1990) establishes minimum curriculum requirements for primary (Stages 1-3) and secondary (Stages 4-5) education. These requirements include that courses of study in a key learning area are to be provided in accordance with any relevant guidelines developed by the Board of Studies and approved by the Minister. All NSW schools offering Stage 6 must be registered and accredited for the Higher School Certificate examination. To qualify for the Higher School Certificate students must satisfactorily complete a Preliminary pattern of study and an HSC pattern of study as outlined in the Board of Studies ACE Manual 2002.

NSW Board of Studies

NSW Board of Studies - K to 6

ACT

The ACT Education Act [2004] requires that ‘the school has appropriate policies, facilities and equipment for the curriculum offered by the school; that the curriculum (including the framework of the curriculum and the principles on which the curriculum is based) meets the curriculum requirements for students attending government schools; and that the nature and content of the education offered are appropriate for the educational levels for which the school is registered’. In the ACT, the Board of Senior Secondary Studies establishes requirements for the award of the Year 12 Certificate and approves courses of study for students in Stage 6.

From 2008, all ACT schools will use the 'Every Chance to Learn' framework which states clearly what the ACT community believes is essential for all students to learn and what we expect all students to be able to do as a result of that learning. It lays the foundation for high curriculum standards in all ACT schools by identifying the essential content that should be taught to the children and young people of Canberra.

The CEO have set up a support page for schools as hey work through the development of school based curriculum documents which incorporate "every Chance to Learn'. This is available from the myclasses foyer.

   quick links