In a similar fashion, the influence of Western philosophies and theories on how children learn and should be taught in Singapore's NEL Framework has been claimed to run counter to the traditional cultural beliefs and the inherent curriculum priorities held by teachers and parents in a largely Chinese society with Confucius influence (Ang 2006, 2014; Lim-Ratnam 2013; Lim and Torr 2008).
Throughout the process of development, three cross-curriculum priority areas were identified that could add depth and richness to student learning in the wider context of Australia's engagement with the rest of the world.
However, the overall cross-curriculum priorities do not explicitly include western history.
The Australian curriculum has given so much direction and scope for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and history being taught in schools through the cross-curriculum priorities.
The review found problems with the operation of the three existing cross-curriculum priorities: Indigenous histories and cultures, Australia's engagement with Asia, and sustainability.
A lot of the angst from conservative commentators springs from the fact that the three "cross-curriculum priorities" relate to Indigenous affairs, Australia's place in Asia and sustainability.
Spurr, who was asked by the review team to look specifically at the English course material, questioned the three cross-curriculum priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, the Asian region, and sustainability.
The curriculum is presented electronically (see www.australiancurriculum.edu.au) and that enables users to view the curriculum content from the perspective of any one of the three dimensions: disciplines, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities.
When our curriculum writers are developing the discipline based curricula, they are obliged to pay attention to where the general capabilities and the current cross-curriculum priorities could be addressed.
We can also provide protection to current issues, such as those captured in our cross-curriculum priorities, that we believe should be an important part of the world view offered to young Australians.
