In with the new curriculum and keeping the old too

There is a myriad of research from over the decades that highlights humans’ fear of the unknown. And so, it is expected that teachers will experience overwhelm, as well as excitement, when a revised curriculum is announced. Because, with new objectives and updated outcomes, there is a recurring need for adapting familiar schedules and switching up lesson plans—and this means change!

What’s new for you and your students?

R.I.C. Publications is a longstanding provider of curricula-aligned content, and we thoroughly understand the importance of holding strong traditions, while simultaneously moving with the times. 

When we revise products for current relevance, we do so with you, the teacher, in mind; ensuring that the books include the high standard of mapped activities you would expect from us as your trusted publisher, as well as new content that you can integrate seamlessly into your weekly schedules. 

We have started with revisions for two key subjects: Australian Curriculum Health and Australian Curriculum Science.

Australian Curriculum Health

Already available as an ebook and print book, Australian Curriculum Health was a top choice for us to revise, because it not only focuses on key curriculum requirements, but also addresses vital societal needs, such as safety, consent, healthy boundaries, self-care, identity, culture, and community.

These elements guide you on how to further support your students on their journey to become healthy, safe and informed individuals. 

From Foundation to Year 6, this series is directly aligned to Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum.

It is important to note that Australian Curriculum Health is also neatly linked to Version 8.4, the Victorian Curriculum, the Western Australian Curriculum, and NESA Health syllabus; because we understand that with any new rollout, not every establishment will adopt the latest version straightaway—or even at all. 

There is valuable content for each jurisdiction, which can be integrated in several ways by using the scope and sequence, and the free digital planner—an interactive PDF, which can be easily edited offline, meaning you can be on top of curriculum requirements to support your scheduling.

“I like that it gives me the flexibility to map out which lessons I will deliver, teach and assess,” says Mary-Anne Jovanovic, Educator and Writer of Australian Curriculum Health.

“That way, I can choose which lessons work best with the rest of my term plan.”

Mary-Anne knows the potential pains of the planning process, and considered these when devising the health planner to ensure the content can work for all styles of teaching.

To say we are excited to offer this series is an understatement.

Five key features:

• Digital planner aligning to Australian curricula. 
• Flexible integration of cross-curricula activities.
• Consent letter template for sensitive subjects.
• Lesson notes with guidance and quick-check activity answers.
• ‘Ponder points’ to inspire differentiation and promote inclusion.

What do you like about the new Australian Curriculum Health series? Download a free sample here.

Australian Curriculum Science

Ready for pre-order in ebook and book formats, the Australian Curriculum Science series is a fresh revision in response to the Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0 release; and, just like our Australian Curriculum Health series, it champions inclusion, diversity, differentiation, current relevance, and culture—including recognising First Nations Australians as the first scientists. This key cultural content is approved by an Aboriginal education consultant.

The book includes lesson notes to guide the teacher, as well as engaging activities that inspire students to do science and not just read about it. 

“Science is about ‘finding out’ and being curious about the world—and universe!"says Michele Zupanov, Educator and Writer of the Australian Curriculum Science series. 

"It is best done using an inquiry process, because it guides students through their learning journey.

"They need to ask questions, test ideas, make observations, sort information, and think creatively and critically about what they have just learnt, so they can arrive at a conclusion—and be able to communicate what they found out.

"Phew! Let us help you with our revised Australian Curriculum Science series,” says Michele Zupanov.

Available for Foundation to Year 6, Australian Curriculum Science has a digital planner that aligns with Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum, as well as a mapping chart, showing the relevance of the revised content for other Australian curricula.

The book has carefully planned lessons that include observation skills, inquiry skills and practical skills—across understanding, human endeavor and inquiry. 

Science offers mystery and wonderment, encourages curiosity and discovery, and it is relevant across subjects as well as being present in our daily lives.

It is for these reasons that we decided to offer this staple series for flexible integration into a science program—as a support resource, to provide further practice, or to provide reinforcement of science learning in the areas of earth and space sciences, chemical sciences, biological sciences and physical sciences.

What do you like about the new Australian Curriculum Science series? You can download a free sample of the series here.

Five key features:

• Digital planner for the Australian Curriculum, Version 9.0 (ACARA).
• Australian mapping chart for other Australian curricula.
• Current photography to support varying learning styles.
• ‘Measure in a minute’ assessment suggestions.
• ‘Ponder points’ to inspire differentiation and promote inclusion.

Moving slightly further outside of our comfort zones, we find the sweet spot for personal and professional progression—and, as teachers, we can lead by example for our students by embracing the new, while still sharing older, effective teachings, too.

Do you have an idea for a story?
Email [email protected]