National Curriculum Framing Project

EML442 Assessment 1 (b)

The National English Curriculum: Framing Paper has great potential to take the English curriculum into the future as it focuses on the broad benefits of the skills acquired through the study of English, such as literacy, literature and language but also the preparation it can provide students with for their life in society after school. While it explores the values of present day Australia, it also acknowledges our nation as "pluralistic and changing" (National English Curriculum: Framing Paper. 2008. p.1) so it is open to move and progress with Australian students as times change, positively supporting Australian students and teachers into the future. The National English Curriculum Framing Paper, like the NSW Board of Studies English Syllabus, both emphasis the value of the study of English and the potential for the skills acquired to assist students in lifelong learning and also in their development as informed and active citizens in the community.

The NSW Board of Studies English Syllabus is founded on the understanding that language is our primary means by which we relate to others and it helps to shape our understanding of ourselves and of our world. It also states that the study of English in this syllabus is "founded on the belief that language learning is recursive and develops through ever-widening contexts" (NSW English Syllabus. 2006. P.7) It states that skills and knowledge and understanding which are acquired in English are central to learning and development of students in NSW. (NSW English Syllabus. 2006. P.7) The National English Curriculum Framing Paper is founded on much the same concept. As English is the national language in Australia both the National and State documents see it as a crucial subject for students to study and thus it is a mandatory subject. The National English Curriculum Framing Paper takes a wider perspective in its focus on the importance of English, believing that the English Curriculum has "a particular responsibility for quality learning in language, literature, and literacy (and) is an important part of a renewed national effort to improve the educational achievements of all students." (National English Curriculum Framing Paper. 2008. p.1) There has been much public debate as to whether it is the responsibility of English teachers to be solely responsible for student literacy and skills or if literacy should be emphasised in all subjects. Here, however the Framing Paper is acknowledging and taking on the responsibility for these issues. This is important and will work positively into the future as English is a mandatory subject, so to have a list of goals and how to enact them will benefit students now and in the future.

The goals of the NSW English Syllabus are to make English challenging and enjoyable for students, and to help them learn and develop a wide range of skills. Such as experimenting with ideas and expression, assisting them to become independent and active learners and also to work with each other to reflect on their own learning. Essentially the goals of the Syllabus are to help students:" Learn skills that will help them in lifelong learning, and in careers and in life." (NSW Syllabus. 2006. P.7). The Framing paper also has much the same goals, however like its foundations it has more of a National/cultural/community focus. It links learning fromk-12, it states in great detail what is expected at each stage of learning, what students should learn and its relevance to current learning and also life after school. This is important for students and teachers, as structure and significance are key features to a successful and quality learning environment.

The priorities of both documents, as with the foundations and goals are again very similar. The syllabus refers to the fact that English is the national language and as such is mandatory and so it is important for students to "develop a proficiency in English to enable them to take their place as confident communicators, critical and imaginative thinkers, lifelong learners and active participants in Australian society." (NSW English Syllabus. 2006. P.7) It sees supporting students as they develop their personal values according to their understanding of moral, ethical and spiritual matters as vital, as it will give them