Curriculum
Northern Territory Curriculum Framework (NTCF)
Since 2002 the Northern Territory (NT) has had a mandated Curriculum Framework (NTCF) that identifies learning outcomes for all Northern Territory learners from Transition to Year 10. The NTCF describes what learners are expected to achieve and is used to determine what learners have achieved.
Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE)
Students in Year 11 and 12 in the NT undertake the NTCE. Administration of the NTCE is managed by the South Australian Certificate of Education Board of South Australia (SACE Board of South Australia).
Review of the NTCF
The NTCF has been under review since 2007 as a result of teacher feedback, Board of Studies requirement and Australian Government requirements. This includes embedding the National Statements of Learning for English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and Civics and Citizenship into curriculum documents by 2008. More information about Statements of Learning.
The theoretical model Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) was used to underpin the renewal of the NTCF. Teacher professional knowledge and national assessment standards and proficiency levels were also used. The Teaching and Learning Framework (TaLF) together with examples of student evidence of learning and resources to support teaching and learning all form part of the Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment link for teachers.
The renewed NTCF will ensure consistency of teacher judgement, improve the quality of student achievement data and support planning and programming.
These points were identified in relation to the implementation of the updated NTCF:
- New documents need to align with school plans and data analysis cycles so flexibility is required regarding implementation timelines
- Links between current NTCF and new documents need to be explicit to support data analysis and CeTool monitoring
- Some teachers may require professional support to use the new documents
- Impact of National Curriculum development
Information about the implementation of the updated NTCF may be directed to pam.adam@nt.gov.au.
Review of the NTCE
The NTCE is currently being reviewed, and will result in changes to the way senior secondary education is structured in the NT. The new NTCE will be phased in from 2009 with the Personal Learning Plan beginning undertaken by Year 10 students, to 2011. No student will be disadvantaged as a result of this change. The new NTCE will be designed to support the diverse needs of students across the Territory, and to recognise many different forms of learning that our young people are undertaking.