Year 1 students will start learning fractions a year earlier, and Year 10 students will learn to recognise and reject antisemitism, under two sets of Australian Curriculum changes endorsed by education ministers.
The changes were developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and announced on Friday, 6 November.
In early years maths, fractions will be introduced in Year 1 rather than Year 2.
Year 1 students will also need to recall addition and subtraction facts up to 10, and multiplication content will be strengthened in Year 2.
New content will build the foundations of consumer and financial literacy, including the value of money and simple transactions.
“A strong grounding in mathematics and numeracy is essential for young people to succeed in their education and later in life,” said ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel.
“We’ve listened to teachers and made the curriculum clearer and more practical, removing ambiguity and strengthening the sequencing of mathematical concepts so teachers know what students need to learn, and when.”
“Ultimately, these changes are about giving every child the strongest possible start in mathematics, while supporting teachers with a clearer and more practical curriculum.”
Education ministers have also tasked ACARA with extending the maths review to Years 3 to 6, with a stronger focus on consumer and financial literacy.
“Clear, well-sequenced foundations in the early years are essential for every child’s mathematical success,” said Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers CEO Allan Dougan.
The second set of changes follows ACARA’s focused review into Antisemitism and Australian Values.
It includes explicit learning about contemporary antisemitism, including common tropes and stereotypes, and strengthened Holocaust content in Year 10 History.
Civil discourse will be taught explicitly in Years 7 to 10 Civics and Citizenship, and there will be more emphasis on responsible and ethical online behaviour in Digital Technologies.
“While students have always been expected to learn about the Holocaust, the revised Year 10 History curriculum provides a more comprehensive study, including Jewish life in Europe before the Second World War,” Mr Gniel said.
“Importantly, Jewish community representatives emphasised that Jewish people should not be defined solely by the Holocaust and antisemitism.”
“Having robust but respectful debates about civic issues is central to a free and democratic society.”
“Antisemitism is a threat to all Australians – not just our Jewish community – because it tears at the fabric of Australian society,” said Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal.
“Our education system has a crucial role to play in taking decisive action to combat this evil, at a particularly critical time of increasing division.”
A further review on Racial and Religious Understanding will begin by the end of the year.
Both sets of revised content will be published on the Australian Curriculum website before the end of November.
“By responding directly to teacher feedback and strengthening the focus on essential mathematical concepts, the review has the potential to improve teacher confidence, reduce workload and deliver better learning outcomes for students,” said Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association President Phil Schultz.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, New England Times Engage