GONSKI 2.0: ART EDUCATION’S BIG OPPORTUNITY

CHILDREN EXPERIENCE ART AT school, though much of it is elective through secondary education. Since the funding changes known as Gonski 2.0 were passed, the national school curriculum is about to shift, with a key emphasis on learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), skills testing and individualised programs.

Will art education be marginalised in the new curriculum while ‘core’ subjects are better valued and resourced? Far from it.

Unpacking the recommended reforms is important in illuminating the central place of art education for fostering the very knowledge and skills that are foundational for achieving mandated curriculum change. Now schools must teach creativity and children must learn to innovate.

Earlier this year the Australian Senate ratified the recommendations of the , better