Human rights and the national curriculum, Human Rights Today, Amnesty International Australia

Human rights and the national curriculum

23 February 2009, 02:56PM

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Current discussions about a national curriculum provide an opportunity to ensure that there is a new emphasis on human rights in Australian schooling.

In two submissions to the National Curriculum Board, Amnesty International Australia has argued that human rights should form a central part of the rationale for the national curriculum, both as a statement of values for Australian society, and as a reflection of our understanding of the conditions which are essential for promoting human development.

see quotes from submissions and background

In the context of discussions about an ‘education revolution’, Amnesty International has noted: • This revolution will necessarily encourage our young people to be literate and numerate, but will they understand the critical role of human rights, dignity and respect in human health and well-being? • Will they be well-informed and articulate about key local and global issues that matter and be able to see these issues in human rights terms? • Will they be confident of their ability to make a difference? • Will they be equipped with understandings, skills and dispositions to work individually and with others to take action for a better world?

The National Curriculum Board has invited comments from teachers to the framing papers on English, Maths Science and History by 28 February.

You can send your comments to feedback@ncb.org.au

For more details see http://www.ncb.org.au/our_work/preparing_for_2009.html

You can also comment on human rights and the curriculum on our website: http://www.amnesty.org.au/hre/comments/20172

Best wishes

Don McArthur and Warren Prior Human Rights Education Team Amnesty International Australia