The Department of Education acknowledges the important role that the arts play in preparing students to participate effectively as global citizens of the 21st century. As one of the eight Learning Areas of the Western Australian Curriculum Framework, effective arts education is an integral part of a balanced school curriculum.

The National Education and the Arts Statement is the result of a joint resolve by both the Cultural Ministers’ Council (CMC) and MCEETYA in 2005 to set down a vision for the future of education and the arts in Australia. It recognises that schools that value creativity and innovation lead the way in cultivating the well-informed and active citizens Australia’s future demands.

The statement articulates the importance of the arts in giving students opportunities to both appreciate and be active participants in Australia’s vibrant cultural life, which encourages the growth of flexible individuals who can communicate effectively and cope with change. It also notes the importance of the arts in engendering cultural understanding and social harmony, and outlines key principles for collaborative action to improve and increase student access to arts programs.

The Melbourne Declaration Educational Goals for Young Australians, 2008, reiterates the continued status of the arts in future curriculum provision. It acknowledges that the arts contribute to understanding "the spiritual, moral and aesthetic dimensions of life; and open up new ways of thinking."

In January 2011 a new review of research was released by the Australian council for Educational Research, The Arts and Australian Education: Realising potential by University of Sydney academic Professor Robyn Ewing. It highlights international research that shows those students whose learning is embedded in the Arts achieve better grades and overall test scores, are less likely to leave school early, rarely report boredom and have more positive self concept than those students who are deprived of arts experiences.

The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, ACARA, is responsible for the development of the Australian curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 and is guided by The Melbourne Declaration. The second phase has begun to develop the Australian curriculum for The Arts.

Support to assist schools to become familiar with the Australian Curriculum

The Shape of Australian Curriculum: The Arts is now available.

For more information about the Australian Curriculum: The Arts refer to the ACARA website.