Maria James, Science Manager
Science is an important part of Victorian education and helps children and young people better understand and interact with the world around us. Science fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling students to question, explore, and innovate. In an ever-evolving global landscape, a strong foundation in science equips learners with the knowledge and investigative tools necessary to address complex challenges - from climate change to technological advancements like artificial intelligence.
Released in June 2024, the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 (introduction to Science) drives teachers and students to experience the wonder of understanding the world scientifically and sets the foundations for science in senior secondary years. To better understand the curriculum, and the study of science more broadly, we asked VCAA Science Manager Maria James for insights into the new curriculum, why science is important and the role of women and diversity in creating a more inclusive scientific landscape.
How long have you been Science Manager with the VCAA? How were you involved in the F–10 Curriculum Version 2.0?
I keep pinching myself to think that I’ve been the Science Curriculum Manager at the VCAA for nearly 19 years – time flies when you’re having fun! So, what makes my job fun? Maybe it’s that no two days are the same. One day I might be presenting a VCE workshop to teachers, then back in the office to answer curriculum queries, audit concerns, or, on the odd occasion respond to a ministerial query. There are intensive times such as examination vetting and also more creative moments such as advising primary teachers on how ‘dinosaurs’ can be included in their teaching and learning programs. I also collaborate with tertiary partners to develop resources for things like the use of medicinally active plants in developing new medicines – something I worked on to support VCE Chemistry teachers.
The F-10 curriculum revisions project certainly kept me on my toes as our revisions team discussed and debated various curriculum elements. The 14 teachers, ranging from Early Years educators to university lecturers across all science disciplines, were excited and fully engaged with the task of producing a clear cohesive and coherent science curriculum that we hope teachers in Victorian schools will love. The sequencing, editing, re-sequencing and re-editing took time, but was very rewarding. One of the revision panel members emailed me after publication with, “book me in for the review when it next comes around”. I think this is a really positive as it just one example of how the VCAA collaborates with Victorian educators and partners to ensure the best possible curriculum changes are recognised and made for the benefit of teachers and students.
Why is Science important for children and young people?
Some people may think that science is just about learning facts. Whilst science helps students understand natural phenomena, it is particularly concerned with cultivating a mindset that values evidence, critical thinking, and curiosity. This enables students to make informed decisions about science-related matters in their own lives as well as society in general. Science education promotes environmental awareness, encourages healthy lifestyle choices and prepares students for future careers in science and non-science related fields.
Science also develops problem-solving skills that can lead to innovation and technological advancement. Studying science equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex and technological world as responsible, informed citizens.
Can you reflect on the F–10 curriculum changes to science? How did these changes come about?
We first looked at the Australian Curriculum version 9.0 to see what could be ‘adopted and adapted’, as required through national ministerial agreement. In general, the existing national curriculum is solid, but we wanted to ensure that it was clear to teachers what needed to be taught and assessed. We also included more contemporary science knowledge such as disease and space travel, and strengthened the environment and sustainability content across all three curriculum strands.
Curriculum in Victoria regularly undergoing review, how will the newly released curriculum be assessed/reviewed?
The revised curriculum has been adopted and adapted based on the Australian Curriculum version 9.0. There are formal and informal monitoring and review processes both at the state and national levels, so we will be talking to teachers about how they implement the revised curriculum. We are constantly seeking feedback from academics, teachers and other education providers, and hope to also involve students in providing feedback about their educational experiences, to inform future curriculum revisions.
What are you most excited to see the next generation of Victorian students explore through science?
I’m really excited that our next generation of science students will be creative, collaborative problem-solvers who can address some of the socio-scientific issues that have been created by current and past generations. Science knowledge and understanding changes so rapidly – I can’t wait to see our young people asking questions that matter and being emboldened to think of solutions. Sustainability, for example, features as a top concern for our young people; we hope, through our science curriculum, that they see a futures-focused approach that will lead to more sustainable outcomes for living things and the environment. We only have one Earth, after all – or maybe there is a ‘Planet B’?
#WomenInSTEMM is a cultural and social media movement aimed at increasing the participation and advancement of girls and women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine). How does engaging girls and women in science improve and advance scientific advancement?
Engaging girls and women in science boosts creativity and innovation by bringing diverse ideas. It increases the number of talented scientists working on complex global problems which can speed up research and discoveries. Women in science can also act as role models to inspire others and promote equality. Their involvement helps create fairer and more inclusive scientific practices, enhancing the quality and impact of research as more diverse opinions and lived experiences have been considered. Engaging everyone in science leads to better outcomes for society.