I was going to have a reflection on the RDF forums demise today, but the news in today’s newspapers presented something far more blogworthy, so I’ll save that for tomorrow (the post is already written). The Federal Government has just unveiled its proposed national curriculum for schools.
I will start off by saying, overall, it is a very good proposal. English goes back to basics and will include spelling, phonics, etc., and to by and large, the traditional texts. This is a GOOD thing.
It is not all good however. According to the Terrorgraph (which I don’t trust for everything, but the SMH has stated a similar thing in its opinion pages), unscientific concepts are headed into science in Australian schools. ‘Alternative’ medicine (aka medicine that hasn’t undergone extensive double-blind trials) will get airtime, as well as aboriginal concepts on the natural environment. That’s right. Aboriginal concepts on the natural are included in the science curriculum.
Both of our major papers in Sydney have blasted this, and rightly so. These concepts, while fascinating, are NOT science. Neither is alternative medicine. In addition, the periodic table would not be introduced until year 10. Year 10?!? Currently, it’s introduced in Year 7, and it fits in well there. Indeed, I’m not sure the science curriculum needs much tinkering, at least in NSW. Much of science just plainly does not make sense without the periodic table, so introducing it at year 10 is just bizarre.
Again, the moves for the English subject are meritous and well worth pursuing, and the increased focus on indigenous Australians in History is worthwhile, as is the more increased focus on our place amongst our Asian neighbours. however this bastardisation of science has no place in the classroom.
Details about the new curriculum can be found here: www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/
Writings of an Affirmed Atheist 