TODAY’S generation of teenagers have more access to information than any of their predecessors.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the click of a mouse they can read the diaries of diggers who landed at Gallipoli or ask questions of scientists living in Antarctica via webcam.
It is a long way from the old days of education being simply about the three Rs – reading, writing and arithmetic.
But while technology has advanced methods of education, there is a concern the so-called information age results in students gaining only a superficial knowledge rather than a mastery of the facts.
The NSW Education Standards Authority, formerly known as the Board of Studies, has acknowledged that scenario by overhauling the HSC syllabus for the first time in 20 years.
The authority’s chairman Tom Alegounarias says the fresh lesson plans for English, maths, science and history will enable students to tackle topics in “more depth”.
NESA chief executive David de Carvalho added “the syllabuses are designed to equip NSW students with the skills they will require after they leave school, for further study, work and life”.
That is absolutely crucial – it is no good having illiterate and innumerate HSC holders.
There has also been concern from Border year 12 students who feel they lack skills for budgeting – a process which is vital in day-to-day life.
In a world where issues have become increasingly caught up in agendas ranging from political to sociological to ethnographic it is important facts are delivered in a distilled manner.
Students should have a solid foundation of subjects and be equipped with independent and critical thinking skills to look at all aspects of debatable issues.
The introduction to the new curriculum states it is designed to “foster the intellectual, creative, ethical and social development of students”.
If it succeeds in that aim and year 12 student know-how and nous improves it will be a worthwhile endeavour.
As a footnote, there is downside for Border residents in that it has been released without any acknowledgement of differences between states.
In the mobile world of the 21st century there should be more uniformity in year 12 courses.
