International Baccalaureate PYP & MYP granted ACARA recognition
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) recognizes the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme as an alternative curriculum framework.
December 5th, 2011 – ACARA’s Recognition Committee has completed its assessment of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) and has concluded that:
“The International Baccalaureate PYP and MYP curriculum frameworks document the organization of knowledge and skills in a conceptual framework. The Recognition Committee acknowledges this difference from a content-based organization curriculum structure and considers that these IB frameworks still allow students to achieve comparable learning outcomes in English, mathematics, science and history by the end of Year 10, whilst noting the assumption that school programming and delivery of the PYP and MYP will address the Australian Curriculum content.”
The recommendation from ACARA provides IB World Schools Australia-wide formal recognition of the PYP and MYP as curriculum frameworks. Through IB programmes, the requirements of the Australian Curriculum can be addressed whilst IB World Schools can still maintain the IB philosophy and prepare their students to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning.
Commenting on ACARA’s recommendation Ian Chambers, Regional Director IB Asia Pacific said, “IB World Schools in Australia welcome this positive move from ACARA which will allow them to deliver the Australian Curriculum through IB programmes. The PYP and MYP both promote innovative teaching and learning whilst encouraging international mindedness and inquiry”.
Catherine Alcock, Head of Schools for Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College emphasized, “This affirmation is significant in a time of curriculum change and ever-increasing Federal Government mandatory requirements. The Australian Curriculum, which mainly prescribes content, will be able to readily sit within the MYP framework. The Recognition also ensures that the elements that make the MYP such a strong approach to learning for adolescent learners are retained. As an independent school in Australia, our Commonwealth funding requires compliance with national curriculum and this recognition allows us to continue to offer programmes which suit the needs of our students.”
The preparation of the submission brought IB staff and practitioners from all the States and Territories around Australia together to map curriculum in the areas of English, mathematics, science and history as well as look at alignment of philosophy, capabilities and outcomes.
There are currently 181 IB programmes being delivered in over 140 authorized Australian IB World Schools. With over 65,000 students and 6,000+ teachers already in IB programmes this development forms a solid platform for the continuing growth and development of the IB in Australia and in particular the PYP and MYP as fully-recognized curricula.
