Primary Matters

Primary Matters October 1996

From Board Bulletin, Vol 5, No. 8 October 1996

LOTE K-6 Generic Syllabus Framework

The final version of the Board's LOTE K-6 Generic Syllabus Framework was recently distributed to primary schools. The purpose of the framework is to provide a consistent approach to the development of LOTE K-6 syllabuses. It provides a common structure for the way content is presented in primary LOTE syllabuses, a set of generic outcomes for LOTE that can be modified to account for the features and characteristics of a particular language, and a means of providing access for both background and non-background speakers of a Language Other Than English. The framework will be a useful reference document for schools that have been considering the introduction of a Language Other Than English and for schools looking to evaluate their existing LOTE programs. The framework is also guiding the Board in the development of specific language syllabuses under the National Asian Languages Studies in Australian Schools (NALSAS) targeted languages initiative (Indonesian K-6, Japanese K-6, Chinese K-6, and Korean K-6).

Meetings with Key K-6 Organisations

The President of the Board of Studies was recently visited by executive members of the Early Childhood Education Council (ECEC) to discuss the Board's approach to curriculum development and assessment, particularly with regard to early learning. The representatives of the Council, which has K-2 as its focus in relation to curriculum, identified areas where the Board could strengthen its approach to development of syllabus content and outcomes. As a result of the meeting, the Board will be conducting an Early Childhood Education seminar at which participants will be asked to provide feedback on the Board's current advice to syllabus writers in relation to developmentally appropriate curriculum in the early years of schooling. Members of the executive of the Federation of School Community Organisations (FOSCO) also met with the President to provide their members' perspective on current curriculum matters, particularly with regard to the development of draft syllabus documents.

Both FOSCO and the ECEC have representatives on the Board's K-6 Curriculum and Assessment Committee. Professional organisations such as the Early Childhood Education Council are also represented on the Board's K-6 Syllabus Advisory Committees through the nominated Joint Council representative. FOSCO has a representative on each of the six K-6 Syllabus Advisory Committees.

Student Portfolios

Board officers recently visited classrooms at Cabramatta West Public School and held discussions with the principal, classroom teachers and members of the school executive. The visit provided insight into assessment and reporting practices in the school, particularly in the way portfolios of student work are constructed. The school has trialled several approaches and has used the experience teachers have been able to gain over the last eighteen months to modify their approach. This has resulted in an approach that the school believes is both informative for students and parents, and manageable for teachers. An interesting initiative in the school is the production of student work samples on computer disk as another means of reporting student achievement.

Human Society and Its Environment

The Human Society and Its Environment K-6 Framework, endorsed by the Board as a guide for the syllabus project team, is being used to guide the development of the Citizenship Education Support Document. This support document, which will be trialled in schools in 1997, will feature nine teaching units and advice about ways in which citizenship can be promoted within the school as part of an overall approach to Citizenship Education. Work on the Citizenship Education K-6 Support Document is being undertaken by the HSIE K-6 project team. This team of writers, which was chosen from a wide list of applicants, will be able to draw on the differing experiences, backgrounds and expertise of its members.

If you would like further information regarding these items or K-6 curriculum matters in general, contact Margaret Malone, Inspector, Primary Education (ph (02) 9927 8199 or fax (02) 9954 9218).