Learning First has conducted the first detailed benchmarking of the content of the Australian science curriculum against seven high-performing and comparable systems around the world. This benchmarking shows that compared with the curriculums of these systems, the Australian science curriculum sets a low standard for what students should learn. It lacks the content, depth and breadth to enable them to succeed.

The benchmarking shows that the Australian science curriculum in the first nine years of schooling:

• Contains about half the science content of the average of other curriculums
• Lacks breadth of learning: it covers 44 science topics compared to an average of 74 topics in other systems
• Lacks depth of learning: just five science topics are covered in depth compared to an average of 22 topics covered in depth in other systems

The Australian science curriculum also contains poor sequencing and lack of specificity of content, which the research shows is vital for effective teaching and learning.

This report focuses on the Australian science curriculum. The researchers have not yet benchmarked other subjects in the Australian curriculum. If all other parts of the Australian curriculum have been developed with comprehensive benchmarking, quality research, and analysis of what is taught and assessed in schools then they call on the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) to release this information. If it does not exist, the authors recommend an overhaul of the entire Australian curriculum.