09/09/2023
One of the most concerning developments in the revision of the NSW curriculum is the PDHPE year 7-10 syllabus which has controversially included content that can only be described as extreme indoctrination. A significant part of the syllabus focuses on empowering the LGBTQ communities and dis-empowers and stigmatizes communities of faith where sexual identities and gender orientation are non-negotiable core values. The syllabus needs to strike a greater balance between aiming to reduce discrimination against LGBTQ communities without being a form of educational indoctrination and alienating and demonizing communities of faith. It is essentially an attack on freedom of speech. No community group should be forced to negotiate their core values or celebrate values they don’t believe in. The syllabus is hypocritical as it would never force individuals from the LGBTQ community and atheists to embrace core values of religions, yet it forces communities of faith to celebrate and promote values that contradict their own.
This Syllabus needs a major rewrite as it is not inclusive and renders public education as outdated and irrelevant to the needs of many community groups.
As a result, the PDHPE risks making public education less relevant to many community groups and it is to blame for the recent explosion in demand for private school education.
The survey for community feedback closes September 11:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/news/syllabus-consultations
We ask for feedback from the education community to improve student outcomes. Have your say on NESA reforms and see recent consultations.