[News] New K-2 English and maths curriculum released

[Angel of Death]

Teachers, parents and the broader community are being asked to help shape the new English and Maths syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 2.  The release of the new curriculum for feedback is the first major milestone in the NSW Government’s ambitious curriculum reform, which will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science.  The new syllabus will start to rollout next year.  NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new evidence-based curriculum would deliver on the government’s goals of decluttering and raising standards to equip students for the jobs of the future.  “The new curriculum prioritises the basics and will ensure students develop strong foundations in maths and English,” Ms Berejiklian said.  “Thank you to the 45 expert Kindergarten to Year 2 teachers who have already met with the NSW Education Standards Authority to review and provide feedback on the new curriculum content.  “The curriculum is more explicit in the direction of what Kindergarten to Year 2 students need to be taught and does not leave room for interpretation.  “We are now calling on all NSW teachers, parents and the broader community to provide their feedback on the draft Kindergarten to Year 2 curriculum.”  Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said literacy and numeracy skills were critical to unlocking young people’s potential while at school, improving their academic outcomes and enhancing their life choices.  “The evidence speaks for itself, and we need all teachers following the evidence, teaching essential knowledge in evidence-based sequences,” Ms Mitchell said.  “We have prioritised essential content and provided clear examples to teachers to reduce ambiguity.  “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 so far is very positive and confirms we are moving in the right direction.”  Visit the NESA website to read the consultation materials and have your say: educationstandards.nsw.edu.auExternal link  Public consultation closes on 30 April 2021.