The newly released draft national curriculum documents have gained qualified support from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Australia’s largest youth organisation.
“Given the future growth of green jobs in our economy, an education system grounded in sustainability is critical to the development of engaged and productive citizens,” said AYCC spokesperson Lucy Manne. “Students themselves know this, and we are glad to see this reflected in the draft documents.”
Over 5,000 young Australians have now signed a petition calling for meaningful inclusion of sustainability in their curriculum. The released documents list a “commitment to sustainable living practices” as one of three cross-discipline perspectives, recognising that sustainability must be central to our education system.
With areas of the curriculum still being written, however, it is yet to be seen whether this commitment to sustainability education will be carried through all aspects of the National Curriculum.
It is particularly vital that the Geography curriculum, set to be released in mid-2010, integrates sustainability in a way that allows students to develop the skills and capabilities they will need in this crucial area.
“Students themselves are asking for an education which has a strong focus on sustainability,” commented AYCC co-director Amanda McKenzie. “It is vital the new National Curriculum takes this into account.”
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For more information or media enquiries please contact:
Lucy Manne
0417 387 516
lucy.manne@youthclimatecoalition.org
