Curriculum rethink to strengthen patriotism and fight anti-Semitism

The classic Aussie concept of a “fair go” will soon be part of the school curriculum*.

Education ministers have tasked the Australian curriculum authority with finding ways to strengthen patriotism* and fight against anti-Semitism* in schools.

Concepts such as a fair go, the rule of law and democracy will be taught to Australian students as a way of reinforcing Australian values in the classroom.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) has until the end of the year to identify ways it could improve the curriculum in order to support students’ understanding of patriotic values and anti-Semitism.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the changes were about teaching students why Australia is the “best country in the world”.

“Part of the reason for that is the value we place on things like democracy, the rule of law, basic freedoms and a fair go,” he said.

“It’s what helps hold us together and makes us who we are. It’s something we pass from one generation to the next and education has a big part to play in that.

“It will strengthen anti-Semitism education, create a deeper understanding of Jewish Australians’ history and an understanding of Australian values.”

Opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser agreed with Mr Clare, stating “the fundamental purpose of our schooling system is to mould the next generation of Australians in a way that supports our national unity and identity”.

Mr Leeser said any lessons about the history of Jewish Australians should go beyond hate.

“There is a wonderful, positive story to tell about the contribution of Jewish Australians to our community,” Mr Leeser said.

Conservative think-tank* the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) said the current curriculum focused too much on difference and division.

IPA director Dr Bella d’Abrera said there should be more focus on “knowledge-based civics*” rather than activism* in order for students to learn about Australian values.

“Teaching Australian values means teaching students how their country actually works – how the Constitution* functions, how laws are made, and why the rule of law and freedom of speech are vital,” Dr d’Abrera said.

Monash University Adjunct Associate Professor Libby Tudball has been involved in numerous curriculum reviews in the past.

Dr Tudball said much of what ACARA had been asked to find was already in the curriculum but was not being taught.

ACARA chief executive Stephen Gniel said the national curriculum authority would work closely with the Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce and other organisations involved in the reform to find out which types of curriculum content could be improved.

POLL

GLOSSARY

• curriculum: the subjects that should be taught to Australian students throughout their schooling
• patriotism: devotion to your country
• anti-Semitism: prejudice against Jewish people
• think-tank: an organisation of experts that give advice and offer opinions on different issues
• civics: the study of the rights and duties of being a citizen
• activism: campaigning to bring about social or political change
• Constitution: describes as “the birth certificate of Australia”, the Australian Constitution is the document of law that sets out the rules for the government of Australia

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QUICK QUIZ
1. What two things will be focused on in a review of the school curriculum?
2. What sort of things would be taught in an attempt to encourage patriotic values?
3. What does the IPA say the current curriculum focuses too much on?
4. What does Opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser say about how the history of Jewish Australians should be taught?
5. What process will be taken to identify how different areas of curriculum content could be improved?

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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Best country in the world
Work with a partner and discuss and write down your top five reasons you could argue make Australia the best country in the world.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Time: allow 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Civics and Citizenship, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking

2. Extension
Give three examples of being given “a fair go” at home, at school and in the community.

Home –

School –

Community –

Time: allow 10 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Civics and Citizenship, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking

VCOP ACTIVITY
To sum it up
After reading the article, use your comprehension skills to summarise in a maximum of three sentences what the article is about.

Think about:

• What is the main topic or idea?
• What is an important or interesting fact?
• Who was involved (people or places)?

Use your VCOP skills to re-read your summary to make sure it is clear, specific and well punctuated.