Defence Force welcomes national curriculum

By AMANDA HOLLINGSWORTH
The national curriculum is set to ease the burden for thousands of Australian Defence Force (ADF) families who travel interstate each year. It will make it easier for the 80,000 students a year who move interstate.

The news of a national curriculum has been welcomed by the defence force and teachers, who see it as a step towards alleviating stress for ADF families. Already in place is the Defence Schools Transitional Aids (DSTA), who are present at schools which have large number of defence families and are responsible for minimising the stress of moving.

Stacey Jackson, the DSTA from St Thomas Moore’s in Campbell, praises the proposed curriculum.

“So many defence children struggle learning after moving interstate,” she said. “It is not uncommon for them to repeat years or skip ahead. This program will help alleviate that problem and allow them the opportunity, for a consistent education no matter where they move to in Australia.”

Principal Carmel Maguire from St Monica’s in Evatt believes the curriculum will benefit all children moving interstate.

“Having a national curriculum is incredibly important,” she said. “It will ensure that national standards are maintained. However, it is extremely important that parents, teachers and the community involve themselves in the program.”

People are asked to comment on the national curriculum online .

The program will be trailed in early 2011 andit implemented in all schools by 2013. It currently covers English, Science, Maths and History. Languages, Geography and Arts will be tackled next.