Australian Curriculum Review Cycle and iterative review process
Changes to the Australian Curriculum Review Cycle
In October 2025, education ministers agreed changes to the Australian Curriculum review cycle, with the approval of the next version of the Australian Curriculum being scheduled for 2032.
It means all dimensions of the curriculum will be reviewed every 10 years, with the option to undertake iterative reviews during this 10-year period.
The 10-year period recognises the extensive work each state and territory undertake with teachers, principals, students and families to implement the Australian Curriculum in their context and bring the curriculum to life in classrooms.
The stages of the Australian Curriculum review cycle are:
- Stage 1: Gathering information to inform the review of the Australian Curriculum
- Stage 2: Developing terms of reference
- Stage 3: Writing, refining and finalising Australian Curriculum
- Stage 4: Seeking Education Ministers Meeting (EMM) approval of the revised Australian Curriculum
- Stage 5: Preparing for and supporting implementation.
The current Australian Curriculum (Version 9.0) was approved in 2022. ACARA is currently focused on Stage 1, gathering information to inform the development of the terms of reference for approval by EMM.
Iterative review process
An iterative review of the Australian Curriculum aims to ensure that the curriculum remains current and is responsive to educational needs. An iterative review is considered if the issue is of such significant importance and urgency that it should be progressed prior to the scheduled review of the Australian Curriculum.
One or more education ministers or ACARA can raise a proposal for an iterative review of the Australian Curriculum through EMM. If endorsed by education ministers, ACARA will be commissioned to undertake an analysis of the iterative review proposal, taking into consideration the impact on the whole curriculum and the potential impact for teacher workload.
An iterative review may result in changes to the Australian Curriculum content (achievement standards and content descriptions) of a learning area or subject.
The provision for an iterative review of the Australian Curriculum balances the need for stability of curriculum with the ability to respond rapidly when required.
Broadly, the criteria for iterative reviews are:
- There is a critical or urgent need for the proposed curriculum change that can’t wait until the next review of the complete curriculum.
- There have been significant, fundamental changes in the learning area or context that requires a curriculum change.
- The need for curriculum change considers the potential impact on teacher workload.
In addition, Ministers will assess a proposed review against the national goals in the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration and the delivery of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreements.
Before initiating an iterative review, consideration will be given to whether the issue can be addressed through alternative approaches — such as developing support resources or offering professional learning for teachers — to ensure an iterative review is only pursued when necessary and justified.
Review of the Australian Curriculum 2020-2021
The Australian Curriculum website, hosting the updated and approved Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0, was launched in May 2022. The specially built website has been designed with teachers for teachers and is one of the few in the world that has digitised the curriculum.
Endorsement of the Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0, followed a review undertaken in 2020/2021. ACARA worked with key education stakeholders and groups to define the approach and scope of the review. This work informed the review's Terms of reference (PDF 94 KB).
The review was also supported by our program of research which benchmarked the Australian Curriculum against the curricula of Singapore, Finland, British Columbia and New Zealand, and we sought feedback from state and territory jurisdictions through our annual monitoring process.
ACARA found the Australian Curriculum (Version 8.4) is consistent with some of the best curricula internationally and is well-regarded by teachers across the country but that it needed refining, updating and ‘decluttering’ to better support teachers.
Public consultation
ACARA held a 10-week public consultation process from April to July 2021. This was the first time the public had the opportunity to review and comment upon the curriculum in its entirety.
Feedback received from parents, teachers, students and principals, as well as, jurisdictions, academics, subject associations, and the general public was considered in finalising the curriculum.
In addition, primary teachers and experts reviewed the primary years content and 47 volunteer primary schools and their teachers tested the consultation draft primary curriculum as part of a Primary School Intensive Engagement Project.
As part of the review process ACARA engaged the Institute for Social Science Research at The University of Queensland to independently analyse the qualitative and quantitative data gathered via the three feedback channels; online surveys, email submissions and jurisdiction responses.
To access the Australian Curriculum Version 8.4, visit the Australian Curriculum website.
The updated version 9.0 curriculum is available on the new Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 website.
Consultation reports
Read consultation reports authored by The University of Queensland.
More information
Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0, FAQs
Read Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0 FAQs.
back to top