ACARA

World Oceans Day is today and it’s the perfect opportunity for students to explore how science, geography and sustainability come together to protect our marine environments.

There are a range of resources to help teachers bring sustainability ideas to life in the classroom, such as these resources that support learning connected to the Australian Curriculum from Junior Landcare who have developed Coastcare schools kit designed for Years 5–8.

Through these lessons, students can investigate real-world coastal challenges, explore citizen science, learn about invasive species, and develop their own scientific illustrations, maps and posters. The resources are free to access, supporting educators, families and communities to take part in environmental learning all year round.

Today is Mabo Day, marking an important moment in Australia’s ongoing reconciliation journey.

Mabo Day recognises Eddie Koiki Mabo and the people who stood alongside him in a ten-year fight to have the traditional land rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recognised in Australian law.

Their case overturned the idea of terra nullius, the false belief that this land belonged to no one when the British arrived.

As an important day in National Reconciliation Week, Mabo Day reminds us that truth-telling and justice are an essential part of reconciliation and learning about our shared history in classrooms and communities every day.

Mabo Day - Behind The News We learn more about Mabo Day and meet some kids from the island where Eddie Mabo grew up. ✏️

The Australian Curriculum encourages all educators to use Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges when meaningful and relevant, because reconciliation is the responsibility of all Australians.

Here’s a great example from Our Lady Star of the Sea Ocean Grove, where year 1 students in their science class explored how First Nations Australians use changes in the landscape and the sky to answer questions about when to gather certain resources.

Explore how the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority helps teachers do this: https://brnw.ch/21x2YXI

📷 Photo includes images of artwork from a First Nations book titled The First Scientist, by Corey Tutt.

National Reconciliation Week begins today.

This year’s theme, All In - is a reminder that reconciliation is not something we watch from the sidelines. It asks all Australians to take part, listen, learn and act.

In schools, reconciliation can start in the classroom, is practiced through truth-telling, shared histories and learning about the cultures, knowledges and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Australian Curriculum supports this learning across all year levels and learning areas, helping young Australians build understanding, respect and connection.

Our latest national report into information communication technology (ICT) literacy out today shows that Australian students are enthusiastic users of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools. However, despite this, the report also shows a decline in Australian students’ ICT literacy since 2022.
The National Assessment Program – ICT Literacy (NAP-ICTL) 2025 Public Report presents the results of the latest NAP-ICTL assessment which tested students’ general ICT skills and knowledge in a sample of schools across the country.
Find out more about the 2025 report and its findings https://brnw.ch/21x2QE9

We wish to acknowledge and pay our respect to Professor Peter Buckskin for his profound contribution to First Nations education and to education more broadly across Australia.

Through his wisdom, leadership and steadfast advocacy, he worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of First Nations communities, ensuring First Nations perspectives were heard and respected at a regional, state and national level.

Professor Buckskin was a member of ACARA’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, a strong supporter of the current First Nations Australians Advisory Group (FNAAG) and the inaugural Chair of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Corporation (NATSIEC).

His leadership and guidance helped strengthen the recognition of First Nations histories, cultures and knowledges within Australia’s education system, shaping learning that is more inclusive, truthful and reflective of the richness of this country.

His legacy is one of courage, respect and deep commitment to community and it will continue to inspire educators, students and leaders for generations to come.

Today is National Sorry Day, a day to acknowledge and remember the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, Country and culture as part of past government policies.

This year’s theme, From Sorry to Action, is a reminder that truth-telling, healing and justice require more than words.

National Sorry Day is an opportunity for all Australians to listen, learn and reflect on how we can contribute to meaningful and ongoing reconciliation.

Today marks the beginning of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 🎭

This year’s theme, Culture and arts education for lasting peace, highlights the important role the arts can play in building empathy, creativity, connection and understanding in our classrooms and communities.

In the Australian Curriculum: The Arts, students learn through Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music and Visual Arts from Foundation to Year 10, helping them explore ideas, perspectives, culture and self-expression in creative and meaningful ways.

The latest release of the National Report on Schooling in Australia 2025 is now available, with new data on schools and schooling, student enrolment, retention, attainment, and participation in education, training and employment.

Find out more: https://brnw.ch/21x2DMK

It’s Gifted Awareness Week, a time to recognise and support students whose strengths, high-potential and learning needs may be expressed in different ways in the classroom.

Gifted and talented students often learn more quickly, think more deeply or show advanced understanding in particular areas. Like all students, they benefit from learning experiences that challenge, engage and support them to reach their full potential.

The Australian Curriculum supports teachers to tailor learning to students’ strengths, interests and goals across learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities.