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Education programs across Australia

National Catholic Education Commission

National Catholic Education Commission

• Policies and guidelines
• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Training and development
• Student support and development
• Parent and community involvement
• Monitoring and reporting

The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) is the official body appointed by and responsible to the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference for developing, enunciating and acting upon policy at the national level for the Church's work in education. The NCEC is the focal point for ongoing discussions and negotiations with the Commonwealth Government and other national bodies involved in education. The Commission is also a national forum for discussion and debate on significant matters of interest and concern to Catholic education in Australia.

In addition to the National Commission, there are eight State/Territory Catholic Education Commissions (CECs) responsible for policy development and co-ordination for Catholic education in their respective States and Territories. There is significant focus on Catholic schools policy and administrative support. The State/ Territory Commissions represent Catholic schools at the State/Territory level.

Local Dioceses operate within the States and Territories. Each Diocese is an autonomous unit under the leadership of it bishop. Catholic Education Offices (CEOs) operate in the Dioceses with delegated authority from their bishop. There are twenty-five CEOs located throughout Australia. These offices are responsible for the direct administration and support of Catholic schools. There are approximately 1,700 Catholic schools in Australia with a total student population of over 640,000. This represents close to 70% of students in non-government schools and some 20% of all students.

Policies and guidelines

Catholic schools operate within Commonwealth and State legislation. The National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) Statement on Educating for Justice, Truth and Reconciliation is a guiding statement for all Catholic schools in Australia that is particularly relevant for countering racism.

Local Diocesan policies and guidelines on discrimination and harassment give specific direction to their schools.

Curriculum and pedagogy

Catholic schools utilise State, Territory and Commonwealth curriculum guidelines and syllabus documents. Support materials and programs are developed in each of the Diocesan education systems in order to supplement such documents, support local needs and provide, if required, a Catholic dimension.

Religious Education underpins all curriculum and pedagogy. Issues such as racism are integrated into Religious Education programs in each school. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture are a part of the school curriculum. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs are implemented as necessary to meet the needs of students from language backgrounds other than English. Similarly, such programs as Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and Studies of Asia contribute to the development of cultural understanding.

Training and development

Pre-service training through the Australian Catholic University includes inclusive teaching strategies which promote tolerance and understanding in the classroom and the school environment. Specific units are offered in Multicultural Education, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and Indigenous Education.

Inservice programs are developed and implemented in each Diocese to support policy and curriculum initiatives. Anti-racism issues are integrated throughout inservice programs such as Religious Education, Studies of Asia, Languages Other Than English (LOTE), English as a Second Language (ESL), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives, leadership programs and pastoral program initiatives.

Student support and development

Pastoral care programs are a priority in each Diocese. They are specifically guided by the Vision Statement devised by each Diocesan system which is based on the Gospels and the teachings of the Church. Anti-racism and anti-harassment programs are supported through system and local school initiatives. Individual schools implement leadership programs to positively counter racism. Examples of programs that operate in schools include pastoral programs, peer support, the Learning Assistance Program and community action programs. Schools are encouraged to develop their own pastoral care policies within Diocesan frameworks.

Parent and community involvement

National, State and Diocesan parent associations are linked to school parent associations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisory committees and liaison officer positions have been established in many Dioceses. The involvement of parent and community members from all cultural backgrounds is encouraged.

Monitoring and reporting

Annual accountability statements to the Catholic Education Commissions (CECs) and the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs are prepared by Catholic school systems including contributions by the Catholic sector to the Annual National Report on Schooling. A program performance report on the Commonwealth Indigenous Education Strategic Initiatives Program (IESIP) is provided each year by each State and Territory CEC.

Schools develop their own policies and procedures for pastoral care and discipline related to dealing with racist behaviour, supported by Diocesan frameworks or guidelines.