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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

History syllabus credited with ANZAC interest

 

An increased emphasis on teaching Australian history in NSW schools is helping to keep the ANZAC Day tradition alive, according to Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews.

Ms Andrews said more children were attending ANZAC Day ceremonies than ever before.

This was due in part to school syllabus changes by the Carr Government that emphasised the nation's history, including feats in wartime, she said.

"It is great that children are taking such a strong interest in ANZAC Day," she Andrews said.

"On ANZAC Day, I saw children of all ages cheering the ex-servicemen and women in the ANZAC Day March held on the Woy Woy Peninsula.

"It was particularly pleasing to see a large number of students from the newly-formed Brisbane Water Secondary College at the dawn service and later participating in the service held in the memorial park along the Woy Woy waterfront," Ms Andrews said.

"In 1998, the Carr Government made the teaching of Australian history compulsory for every NSW high school student in Years 7 to 10.

"That means every NSW student learns about Australia's role in World War 1, especially Gallipoli, and about World War II, including the Pacific War.

"Also in 1998, a new Human Society and its Environment syllabus was introduced in all government and most non-government primary schools for Kindergarten to Year 6."

The syllabus included the ANZAC story and Australia's involvement in other conflicts.

"Last year Year 12 sat for the new HSC, with new history syllabuses, including an Australian history option in Modern History.

"The Carr Government has ensured that our young people grow up knowing the major events and people who shaped this nation," Ms Andrews said.

Press release, April 26