An Australian Curriculum that includes diverse learners: the case of students with disability

A curriculum for all, equitable, accessible, and providing consistency for learners across Australia, the Australian Curriculum potentially offered to be a world first for students with disabilities. This paper presents the story of Australia’s first official national curriculum particularly focusing on the inclusion of students with disabilities, learning difficulties and the gifted and talented. The paper begins by examining the development and process, decisions and critical documentation of history in relation to the inclusion of students with disabilities within the Australian Curriculum. The paper then turns to look critically at what has been produced, identifying issues, strengths and weaknesses before looking forward and posing some recommendations. If the Australian Curriculum is to be a curriculum for all, documenting the story of inclusive education for students with disabilities is significant in fulfilling the aim of inclusive education and maximizing achievement and quality of life for all young people.