The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) welcomes the announcement from
the Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, that the government will consider structures
to improve coordination across the national teaching and learning architecture.
Amidst a complex educational eco-system of federal educational bodies, state and territory
jurisdictional authorities and government and non-government providers, a more coherent
national approach to integrating curriculum, assessment, evidence and innovation, has the
potential to benefit the entire education system. This would strengthen the focus on
evidence-based teaching and increase the availability of high-quality classroom resources
including consideration of Artificial Intelligence and EdTech standards and quality
professional development.
As indicated in our response to the Review of the National Architecture, the NCEC looks
forward to working alongside the government and across the 1,751 Catholic schools it
represents to contribute to this important discussion.
NCEC Executive Director Jacinta Collins said, “the overarching purpose of a national
architecture must be to advance the learning outcome for Australian students through the
enhancement of practices and structures, building on the capabilities of teachers and staff of
the schools”.
“Excellence and equity should be the hallmark of the Australian education system, supported
by the national architecture” she said.
The NCEC is encouraged by the Education Minister’s commitment to “maintain and protect
the critical work” of existing national bodies while improving coordination and maximising
impact.
“Catholic education is perfectly placed to contribute to discussion of a more integrated
approach to the national architecture, building on effective partnerships across educational
bodies and ensuring the voice of both teachers and students is present in the structures
designed to support them.”
As the workload of our teachers and the contemporary needs of our students become more
demanding, it is imperative that we ensure a fit for purpose approach to the teaching and
learning architecture which advances the opportunities for all students and teachers.
Consideration of the efficiency and effectiveness of government structures will reduce the
noise and strengthen the focus on real reform for the benefit of our educational communities.
Photo: Students from Gilroy Santa Maria College, Ingham, Qld.