Essential Assessment & the Australian Curriculum V9 [For Parents]

In this article:

• The Australian Curriculum V9
• Attainment Levels in the Australian Curriculum V9 vs V8.4
• A Strong Home-School Partnership

The Australian Curriculum V9

Although this new curriculum isn’t yet mandated across all schools following the Australian curriculum, many teachers have already begun preparing for the adjustment by preparing new units of work and pre-assessing students in Mathematics using the new curriculum. They will be provided with increased planning time and curriculum leadership support to develop learning and teaching cycles aligned with the new standards.

Your child’s school may have already begun this work, which may mean your child is now being assessed using the new curriculum. If you aren't sure, speak to your child’s teacher.

Attainment Levels in the Australian Curriculum V9 vs V8.4

We’re hearing feedback from teachers that in some cases, student attainment levels obtained in Essential Assessment Australian Curriculum V9 English and Mathematics assessments are lower than levels achieved in tests from version 8.4. 

As a parent, this might mean that your child achieves a lower level this year than they did last year in a similar assessment.

Please be reassured that it is likely that your child’s learning and capabilities in English and/or Mathematics have not regressed - rather, the curriculum targets have been changed. 

The changes highlight that the Australian Government expects more from the learning area of Mathematics - basically, the new Curriculum is more challenging, in multiple areas. 

Australian teachers are working hard to adjust their teaching and planning to the new curriculum but it will take them a little time to adjust. We expect student attainment levels to ‘even out’ over time. 

A Strong Home-School Partnership

The following actions can really help to build a strong home-school partnership that can support your child’s learning in Mathematics and English, particularly during this time of change. 

• Proactively support your child’s teacher as they navigate the changes, and meet with them as and when possible for Learning Check-Ins
• Be mindful of possible implementation dips in your child’s achievement, but more importantly, focus on the growth demonstrated
• Encourage your child to focus on their next learning steps
• Raise any queries or concerns with your child’s teacher
• If the opportunity arises, talk positively about the changes with your child.