National Curriculum lacks balance

A brief examination of the details of the new national curriculum reveals there is a lot to be concerned about, Christopher Pyne, Shadow Minister for Education said today.

"The national curriculum is unbalanced. For example, while there are 118 references in the document to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and culture, there is one reference to Parliament, none to 'Westminster' and none to the 'Magna Carta," Mr Pyne said.

"Grade nines will consider the personal stories of Aboriginal people and examine massacres and 'indigenous displacement', without any reference to the benefit to our country of our European heritage and the sacrifice of our forebears to build a nation," he said.

Four year olds are to be taught about days of community significance such as 'ANZAC Day and Sorry Day'. The first time Australia day is mentioned is in grade three. 'White Australia' is being taught in grade five to ten year olds.

"The early signs are that the Black Arm-Band view of history is back. How can Australians know where we are heading in the future if we don't have a balanced view of our past," Mr Pyne asked.

There are 66 references in the document to Asia. There are 10 references to Britain.

While a good understanding of our regional neighbours is important, equally important is our heritage.

"The Coalition will continue to examine the curriculum and make a more detailed submission in due course. If elected, the Coalition will review any national curriculum designed by the Labor Government that has already admitted they just can't deliver in education," Mr Pyne said.

March 1, 2010

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