The new Australian Health and Physical Education Curriculum: a case of/for gradualism in curriculum reform?

Abstract

In March 2012, the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) released for public consultation the Shape Paper for the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education (HPE) that was finalized for publication in August 2012. This paper set out the key propositions for a ‘futures-oriented’ curriculum suggesting that HPE should: take a strengths-based approach; focus on educative outcomes; develop health literacy skills; value learning in, about and through movement; and include an inquiry-based approach. As the Lead Writer of the Shape Paper, I believed my task was to consider both what is and what could be. This Fritz Duras Lecture introduces the research and thinking behind the HPE Shape Paper, helping to illuminate this case of curriculum-making. It also reflexively asks if this case is notable for its gradualism, interrogating the strengths and weaknesses of gradualism as applied in curriculum reform.