English and Literacies Learning How to Make Meaning in Primary Classrooms

Throughout this chapter you will gain knowledge and understanding of literacies education in the Australian context. This includes insight into Australian education policy and research contexts via the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration and the Melbourne Declaration. With a lens on the context of curriculum in Australia and the Australian Curriculum, this chapter guides your knowledge around the policy drivers, including the basis of the Australian economic and international benchmarking test National Assessment Plan – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

This chapter presents insights about literacies education in the Australian context and includes an historical perspective on education policy and the Australian Curriculum. The evolution of the national Declarations are discussed together with how the goals of education in Australia are defined. The education of young Australians in 21st century learning and the structure of the Australian Curriculum: English and the Australian Curriculum Literacy as a general capability are explored. The learning progressions designed to engage all Australians in lifelong learning through the developmental continuum of literacy from emergent to adult are also presented.