In 2013, Technology was added to the Draft Australian Curriculum. This was a significant step because it formalised Technology as a learning area in the curriculum rather than just a tool that was becoming ingrained in learning programs. The 2008 Melbourne Declaration of Education committed to promoting world-class curriculum and assessment, and in doing so identified Information Communication Technology and Design Technology as a key learning area.
Today in the Primary Years at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Digital Technology is a subject that students are assessed and reported on. It is one of our key learning areas, along with English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Health and Physical Education.
Technology is a general capability in the Australian Curriculum, sitting alongside Literacy, Numeracy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding and Intercultural Understanding. These capabilities are the foundation skills, knowledge, behaviours and dispositions that the Australian Curriculum encompasses.
At Sunshine Coast Grammar School, ICT skills are evident in many of the key learning areas, and students are taught specific skills and knowledge to meet the Australian Achievement Standards. While students have access to devices from Prep – Year 4, we acknowledge the importance to balance students’ time with and without a device. This is intentional to ensure all General Capabilities are supported, and that the use of technology is reflected in the needs of the students as well as their age and stage of development.
In this edition, you will read about the many exciting elements and opportunities that lie ahead with technology as a tool for exploration and design. The importance of using technology responsibly is an area that we focus on at different stages of student development. Technology impacts our daily lives and is incorporated into our student well-being programs. Students learn about managing screen time and cyber safety and develop skills and knowledge to use technology effectively and responsibly.
By Craig Angel, Acting Head of Primary