Student ArtworkCurriculum Framework

The new Western Australian Curriculum Framework (1999-2004) was approved for implementation in all schools from the beginning of 1999.

What Does Implementation of the Curriculum Framework Mean?

The Curriculum Framework sets out a series of learning outcomes in an Overarching Statement and eight Learning Area statements which describe the knowledge, understanding, skills and values and attitudes that students are expected to acquire throughout their schooling ("K" to Year 12). Implementation of the Curriculum Framework requires schools to adopt the outcomes approach set out in the Framework. "An outcomes approach means identifying what students should achieve and focusing on ensuring that they do achieve" (Curriculum Framework p14). It means shifting away from an emphasis on what is to be taught and how and when, to an emphasis on what is actually learnt by each student.

Schools need to provide programs that ensure all students achieve the specified outcomes.

How Will Teachers Know How Well Students Are Achieving These Broad Outcomes?

The Education Department of WA's Student Outcomes and Standards Framework is a "progress map" that schools will use to make judgements about students' achievement of the Curriculum Framework Outcomes and to assist with planning further student achievement. The Student Outcome Statements take each of the major learning outcomes in the Curriculum Framework and describe typical student learning development. The descriptions are know as "progress maps" which describe how students get better in their understanding or skills development. Teachers will then use these maps as the reference to describe student achievement and progress as part of their assessment and reporting practices. This will then help teachers, the student and parents identify the strengths and learning needs of each student in order to plan meaningful programs for further improvement.

Overarching Learning Outcomes

(from the Curriculum Framework)

Students use language to understand, develop and communicate ideas and information and interact with others.

  1. Students select, integrate and apply numerical and spatial concepts and techniques.
  2. Students recognise when and what information is needed, locate and obtain it from a range of sources and evaluate, use and share it with others.
  3. Students select, use and adapt technologies.
  4. Students describe and reason about patterns, structures and relationships in order to understand, interpret, justify and make predictions.
  5. Students visualise consequences, think laterally, recognise opportunity and potential and are prepared to test options.
  6. Students understand and appreciate the physical, biological and technological world and have the knowledge and skills to make decisions in relation to it.
  7. Students understand their cultural, geographic and historical contexts and have the knowledge, skills and values necessary for active participation in life in Australia.
  8. Students interact with people and cultures other than their own and are equipped to contribute to the global community.
  9. Students participate in creative activity of their own and understand and engage with the artistic, cultural and intellectual work of others.
  10. Students value and implement practices that promote personal growth and well being.
  11. Students are self-motivated and confident in their approach to learning and able to work individually and collaboratively.
  12. Students recognise that everyone has the right to feel valued and be safe, and, in this regard, understand their rights and obligations and behave responsibly.