Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is urging teachers, parents and the broader community to help shape the new English and Maths syllabuses for students from Kindergarten to Year 2.
The new evidence-based curriculum is part of the NSW Government’s goal to reduce unnecessary content and give teachers more time to teach.
Mr Saunders said putting our students first and improving their learning outcomes is a top priority, and will complement the substantial work being done in the “first 2000 days” programs that highlight preschool and early childhood education.
“The new curriculum will help our teachers focus on what they do best – teaching our students and assisting them to achieve their best,” he said.
“We are making sure our youngest students build strong foundations for future learning and can leave school with the tools to thrive in this rapidly changing world.
“We have placed a focus on the first 2000 days, which is essentially the first five years of life, and now it is time to ensure that we are on the right track with the things children are being taught when they reach ‘big school’.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said literacy and numeracy skills are critical to unlocking young people’s potential while at school, improving their academic outcomes and enhancing their careers.
“The new curriculum will see educators teaching essential knowledge in evidence-based sequences for students to build important foundational knowledge,” she said.
“Teachers are the drivers of student outcomes. By reducing the clutter and confusion for teachers, it allows them to focus on their students.
“Our approach to these reforms is evidence-driven and focused on student success. The feedback we have had from teachers is very positive.”
Visit the NESA website to read the consultation materials and have your say: educationalstandards.nsw.edu.au.
Public consultation closes on 30 April 2021.