Drama in the Australian national curriculum – the role of advocacy

Abstract

The inclusion of Drama as a subject in the Australian Curriculum is largely a result of the unwavering advocacy of national associations (like Drama Australia) and alliances, in particular the National Advocates for Arts Education (NAAE). This article briefly outlines stages in national curriculum development in Australia and delineates key organisations and individuals who have contributed to the inclusion of drama within Australia’s national curriculum. The paper draws from previously published material, interviews with representatives from each state professional association, and extended interviews with members of the NAAE. The authors propose that the most significant contributing factor to the inclusion of drama in the educational entitlement for all young people in the Australian national curriculum has been collaborative advocacy, carefully managed by a national advocacy collective.

Keywords:

• Curriculum
• advocacy
• NAAE
• Australian curriculum
• drama education
• arts education

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Julie Dyson, Robyn Ewing, Sandra Gattenhof, and Robin Pascoe who contributed to discussions informing this paper.