Chronologies of Secondary School Curriculum Policy: Victoria

1996 – 2005

2005

  • The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) was published and released into schools for implementation from 2005 – 2008. VELS replaced the CSF II. Details

2004

  • The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority released Victorian Curriculum Reform 2004 Consultation Paper outlining a new approach to curriculum based around a 'framework of essential learning'. Details
  • The Education and Training Committee of the Victorian Parliament established an inquiry into the promotion maths and science in Victorian education.
  • The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority released the Review of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning Final Report in November. Details

2003

  • The Blueprint for Government Schools: Future Directions in the Victorian Government School System was released. The Blueprint established a reform agenda and future directions for schooling designed to improved student outcomes. Details
  • The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) was introduced into Victorian schools.
  • Lynne Kosky, Minister for Education and Training, delivered a speech entitled Framework for Reform, which identified curriculum as a priority area of educational reform. Details

2002

2000

  • The Curriculum and Standards Framework II (CSF II) was published. The CSF II was organised around eight key learning areas (KLAs) and covered Prep to Year 10. Details
  • The final report of The Ministerial Review of Post Compulsory Education and Training Pathways in Victoria (Kirby Report) was released. The report recommended new directions for the organisation and delivery of post compulsory education in Victoria. Details

1999

  • The Board of studies released Curriculum and Standards Framework II (CSF II) for discussion.
  • The Department of Education issued Bright Futures: A Guide for Strategic Action to Support Gifted Students 2000-2005 to all government schools, outlining a coordinated approach to curriculum for gifted students.

1997

  • The Report of the Committee of Review of the VCE, Enhancing their Futures (Dow Report), was released, recommending changes to the provision of the VCE.
  • The Victorian Board of Studies published Key Competencies in Teaching and Learning based on the findings of the Victorian Schools Key Competencies Pilot Project (1994-1996) which arose following recommendations made in the Meyer Report in 1992. Details
  • Multicultural Policy for Victorian Schools was released by the Education Department. The policy outlined the background and current context this policy and stressed that multicultural education must permeate all aspects of the curriculum and school practices. Details

1996

  • The Victorian Board of Studies published Using the CSF: Assessment and Reporting, one of a series of publications designed to assist schools with the implementation of CSF. This booklet was aimed to assist with the development of assessment and reporting consistent with the CSF.

1986 – 1995

1995

  • The Board of Studies published the Curriculum and Standards Framework (CSF), replacing the 1987 Curriculum Frameworks. Details
  • The Board of Studies published Using the CSF: An introduction, one of a series of publications designed to assist schools with the implementation of the CSF. This booklet contained advice for curriculum review and planning. Details
  • The Directorate of School Studies released, Bright Futures: A policy statement to support gifted students. Details

1994

  • The Board of Studies released the Curriculum and Standards Framework for discussion.

1992

  • The report of the Taskforce on Pathways in Education and Training (Deveson Report) was released. The report made recommends on strengthening pathways and improving vocational education. Details

1990

  • The VCE was introduced as a two year certificate program for years 11 and 12.

1988

  • The Schools Division of the Ministry of Education published The School Curriculum and Organisation Framework, P-12, to be used by schools in planning, developing and reviewing curriculum programs. Details
  • The Curriculum Branch of the Ministry of Education released the Report on the Applicability of the ALL (Australian Language Levels) Guidelines in Victorian Primary and Post-Primary Schools.

1987

  • The new VCE policy was announced by the Minister for Education on 15 September.
  • The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) was introduced into Victorian schools for Year 12.
  • The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board released an options paper, Developing the Victorian Certificate of Education.
  • The State Board of Education published Directions in Curriculum: A Review of Curriculum Policy Documents in Victoria 1983-87, an overview document providing a synthesis of major themes and principles in curriculum documents for that period. Details
  • The State Board of Education and Ministerial Advisory Committee on Multicultural and Migrant Education released the report, If I Didn't Have Your Support information paper on non-English-speaking background students with impairments, disabilities or problems in schooling.
  • The Balkien Report was released: Improving the Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Base in Victoria.

1986

  • The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board (VCAB) was established with responsibility for senior secondary certification, replacing The Victorian Institute of Secondary Education (VISE).
  • Education in and for a Multicultural Society was published, elaborating policy guidelines languages other than English, the importance of which was stressed in Ministerial Paper No. 6.
  • The Ministry of Education distributed Implementing Ministerial Paper No. 6. to Victorian Schools. Details
  • The Tertiary Orientation Program (TOP) was discontinued.
  • The Ministerial Statement Future Directions in Post Compulsory Schooling was released by Ian Cathie.

1976 – 1985

1985

  • The Curriculum Branch of the Education Department released Curriculum Frameworks P-12: An introduction, a preliminary statement outlining the general approach to curriculum following the policies outlined in Ministerial Paper No. 6 Details.
  • The Curriculum Branch of the Education Department released the first draft of Curriculum P-12 Frameworks for discussion in November. Details
  • The Department of Education released the report, Education for Girls.
  • The State Board of Education published a series of working papers, The Changing Context and Structures of Postcompulsory Schooling in Victoria, addressing recommendations for restructuring made in the Blackburn Report.
  • The Report of the Ministerial Review of Postcompulsory Schooling (Blackburn Report) was released. The Report laid the foundation for the development of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). Details
  • The State Board of Education and Ministerial Advisory Committee on Multicultural and Migrant Education provided a report to the Minister for Education, The Place of Languages Other Than English in Victorian Schools.
  • The Curriculum Branch of the Education Department released Destination Decisions: Decision Making Strategies for School Communities.

1984

  • The Ministerial Review of Postcompulsory Schooling released a discussion paper.
  • The Curriculum Branch of the Department of Education published Curriculum Policy Making: An Introduction for School Councils.
  • The Equal Opportunities Unit of the Education Department published Guidelines for Girls' Education in Technical Schools.
  • The Equal Opportunities Unit of the Education Department released Towards Equal Opportunity and a Non-Sexist School: An Action Approach.
  • The Ministerial Review of Educational Services for the Disabled released its report on mainstreaming for students with disabilities, Integration in Victorian Education.
  • The State Board of Education and Ministerial Advisory Committee on Multicultural and Migrant Education released a discussion paper, The Place of Community Languages in Victorian Schools.
  • The Equal Opportunities Branch of the Department of Education published PEP Participation and Equity Program Guide for Schools.

1983-4

  • A series of six Ministerial Papers were released. Ministerial Paper No. 6, released in 1984, outlined the framework for curriculum reform in Victoria. Details

1980

  • The Report of the Ministerial Working Party into Secondary Technical Education (Bainbridge Report) was released.
  • The Education Department released a white paper on Strategies and Structures for Education Policy in Victorian Government Schools.

1976

  • The Victorian Institute of Secondary Education was established.

The 1975 Context

1975

  • The Tertiary Orientation Program (TOP) was introduced as an alternative accreditation for senior secondary school.

1972

  • The Year 11 Leaving Certificate was discontinued.

1970

  • The Higher School Certificate (HSC) was introduced, replacing Matriculation.

1969

  • The Year 12 Matriculation Certificate was discontinued.

1960

  • The Report of the Committee on State Education in Victoria (Ramsay Report) was published. Details