ABSTRACT
This chapter develops a strong rationale for middle years curriculum design and implementation. It discusses elements of curriculum theory relevant to the middle years, including tensions between subject-centred and student-centred curriculum models. The chapter considers a range of approaches to middle years curriculum design and evaluates them in terms of responsiveness to students’ diverse learning needs. Middle years curriculum design should be oriented towards personalised learning so that it meets the needs of students who have special needs, addresses student diversity and caters for students who are gifted and talented. The Australian Curriculum states that ‘all students are entitled to rigorous, relevant and engaging learning programs drawn from a challenging curriculum that addresses their individual learning needs’. Middle years curriculum design that is developmentally responsive positions the student at the heart of the curriculum. Developmentally responsive curriculum design in the middle years should specifically aim to teach students how to operate effectively in the social context.
