Getting Started with Homeschooling

Practical Considerations for Parents of School-Aged Children

© Beverley Paine

Researching Other Educational Philosophies

When preparing your philosophy statement and thinking about what you think education is and what it means to you, it is a good idea to research the subject by reading books and gathering information. These will either reflect or challenge your philosophy, but will none-the-less help to consolidate your thoughts.

Educational authorities in each Australian state have their own philosophies, although the National Goals for School are recognized in each state. These goals, and the National Statements and Profiles Curriculum Guidelines, are used extensively as guides for the development of commercial texts for preschool, primary and secondary education, and together form the educational philosophy of public schooling in Australia. Below is a brief summary which may help you to formulate or refine your own philosophy and goals in your home schooling educational program.

To provide an excellent education for all young people, being one which develops their talents an capabilities to full potential, and is relevant to the social, cultural and economic needs of the nation.

To enable all students to achieve high standards of learning and to develop self-confidence, optimism, high self-esteem, respect for others, and achievement of personal excellence.

To promote equality of educational opportunities, and to provide for groups with special learning requirements.

To respond to the current and emerging economic and social needs of the nations, and to provide those skills which will allow students maximum flexibility and adaptability in their future employment and other aspects of life.

To provide a foundation for further education and training, in terms of knowledge and skills, respect for learning and positive attitudes for lifelong education.

To develop in students:

- the skills of English literacy, including skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing
- the skills of numeracy and other mathematical skills
- skills of analysis and problem solving
- skills of information processing and computing
- an understanding of the role of science and technology in society, together with scientific and technological skills
- a knowledge and appreciation of Australia’s historical and geographical context
- a knowledge of languages other than English and an appreciation and understanding of, and confidence to participate in the creative arts
- an understanding of the concern for balanced development and the global environment
-a capacity to exercise judgment in matters of morality, ethics and social justice.

To develop knowledge, skill, attitudes and values which will enable students to participate as active and informed citizens in our democratic Australian society within an international context.

To provide students with an understanding and respect for our cultural heritage including the particular background of Aboriginal and ethnic groups.

To provide for the physical development and personal health and fitness of students, and for the creative use of leisure time.

To provide appropriate career education and knowledge of the world of work, including an understanding of the nature and place of work in our society.

State curriculum goals are very similar to the nation ones shown above, and are always a good place to start looking at philosophies other than your own. Often these documents are very comprehensive as they have been designed as charters for the public school system. As you compare them or other educational philosophies to your own philosophy statement remember you are educating only your own children, not an entire class or school. There will be obvious and important differences.

previous page

Index

next page

Excerpt from Getting Started with Homeschooling, Practical Considerations
© Beverley Paine, 1997

Homeschool Australia Newsletter SA HE Network Unschool~Kidz! About Beverley Paine

Disclaimer: The information on this page is opinion,
written by someone without legal qualifications.
Always seek qualified legal advice if in any doubt as to your legal position.