Introduction

The Australian Curriculum recognises that “Australia is a secular nation with a culturally diverse, multi-faith society and a Christian heritage.” Within that cultural diversity is a sizeable and growing proportion of Australians (approximately 40%) whose identity might be classified as ‘secular humanist’ – i.e., those who have a non-religious worldview. This Modern Worldviews curriculum explores:

  • The nature of secular humanism as a non-religious worldview on a par with religious worldviews.
  • The history and development of secular humanism through the ages.
  • The beliefs and principles that underpin secular humanism.
  • How secular humanism’s beliefs and principles are expressed in society and politics, particularly in the area of human rights.
  • Social and political reforms achieved by a secular humanist worldview in Australia.

Content

There are six modules that address the following key questions:

  1. What is secular humanism?
  2. Where does secular humanism come from?
  3. What is freedom of religion and belief?
  4. What is freedom of expression?
  5. How do secular humanists make decisions?
  6. What role has secular humanism played in Australian history?
Each module consists of a powerpoint presentation and student exercises (both enabling and extension). The contents of the modules have been drawn from local and international sources and have been carefully chosen to align with key elements of state and national curricula.

Curriculum alignment

The Australian Curriculum (v9.0) has 3 intersecting dimensions: learning areas, general capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities.

This Modern Worldviews (MWV) curriculum contributes to the Australian curriculum via:

  • The Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning area, particularly through Civics and Citizenship and History.
  • The general capabilities of Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding, and Personal and Social capability.

Learning area: Civics and Citizenship

Civics and Citizenship is part of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning area. It aims to acquaint students with an understanding of Australia’s federal system of government and its liberal democratic values like freedom, equality and the rule of law. By the end of year 7, students are meant to know about Australia’s system of government, be able to describe Australia’s cultural and religious diversity, and identify the values that support social cohesion in Australian society. Then, by the end of year 8, students understand how laws are made in Australia, are able to investigate contemporary civic issues, and explain methods of civic participation. By the end of year 9, students have analysed the Australian system of democracy in more depth, including the role of the courts and the role of the media. They begin to learn about political systems in other countries. And by the end of year 10, students can compare the Australian political system with other systems and understand the Australian Government’s obligations at an international level.

This MWV curriculum contributes to learning about:

It also provides exercises to develop skills in:

  • Questioning and researching
  • Analysis, evaluation and interpretation
  • Civic participation and decision making
  • Communicating.

Learning area: History

Learning about History promotes a better understanding of the forces that shape civilisations, including Western civilisation, Australia’s First Nations, and the societies of our Asian region. By the end of year 7, students have learned about the ancient past and early indigenous Australian history. Then, by the end of year 8, they have learned about periods between the ancient and modern eras, including the medieval period and pre-modern Europe. After year 9, students have learned about the early modern period up to the end of the First World War (1918). After year 10, students can explain the significance of the period between 1918 and the early 21st century.

This MWV curriculum contributes to the History learning area by:

  • Showing how secular humanism arose in the ancient world (year 7 units AC9HH7K11, AC9HH7K13)
  • Was developed into its modern form during the Enlightenment period of the early modern era (year 8 units AC9HH8K03, AC9HH8K06)
  • Has made significant contributions to progressive reforms of the Australian nation (year 9 unit AC9HH9K05)
  • And is growing in significance across the world (year 10 unit AC9HH10K18).

It also provides exercises to develop skills of:

  • Questioning and researching.
  • Using historical sources.
  • Historical perspectives and interpretations.
  • Communicating.