Studies of Asia and Australia
GET INFORMED. GET ACTIVE.

Does your school teach studies of Asia and Australia? Does it teach it well?

We know that most parents strongly support the teaching of studies of Asia in and Australia their children's school.

Fewer than 50 per cent of schools teach studies of Asia and Australia include in their curricula in any substantial way, 25 per cent do so only in superficially, and 25 per cent of schools don't at all.

For our young people to build an informed understanding of Asia, we must move beyond tokens like kites and food festivals. They need well-structured content that recognises the diversity of the countries and cultures of the Asian region.

The two national parent organizations, the Australian Council of State School Organizations (ACSSO) and the Australian Parents Council (APC), with the Asia Education Foundation, want to improve this situation.

You can help this process by taking up the issue in your school community.

This is a list of common questions and concerns that you as well as other members of the school community (administration, teachers and parents) might like answers to.

• What is meant by 'studies of Asia and Australia'?
• What should Australia's young people know, understand and be able to do?
• Why should these studies should be included in schools' curricula?
• Who says these studies should be included?
• The curriculum is already over-crowded
• We don't have suitable resources or support

Discover some ideas about Ways to make changes at your school.

Important resources

• National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools
• Teacher and School Resource: A guide to implementing the National Statement for Engaging Young Australians with Asia in Australian Schools