Strategic Plan

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority Strategic Plan 2021–2023, is the framework which articulates the Authority’s strategic directions, including its vision, values and goals.

The plan has three strategic priorities:

  • Curriculum, assessment and standards
  • Examinations, testing and certification
  • Communication, engagement and partnerships.

The Authority will seek regular feedback on its performance against the strategic plan and use the information to improve its approaches, policies and procedures.

Our vision

To provide quality curriculum, assessment and standards of achievement for all students studying the Western Australian curriculum so that they become confident, creative individuals, successful lifelong learners and active, informed members of the community.

Our values

  • Integrity
  • Fairness
  • Equity
  • Transparency
  • Respect

Our stakeholders

  • Students and teachers from Kindergarten to Year 12 in every school in Western Australia.
  • Students and teachers in international schools using the Western Australian curriculum by arrangement with the Authority.
  • Parents, school administrators and bodies representative of the school sector/systems, including the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, Catholic Education Western Australia, the Department of Education, pre‑schools and early learning centres, home educators, Technical and Further Education (TAFE), universities, national education authorities and the community of Western Australia.

About us

The role of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority is to:

  • develop and accredit school curriculum
  • assess student achievement in relation to the curriculum through the administration of
  • standardised testing and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) course examinations
  • certify senior secondary achievement
  • report on the standards of student achievement.

The Authority has a seven-member Board appointed by the Minister for Education. Two statutory committees provide advice to the Board: the Curriculum and Assessment Committee and the Standards Committee.View All

OUR GOAL IS TO:
Develop Kindergarten to Year 12 curriculum and support resources and Pre-primary to Year 12 assessment and standards that allow all students to achieve to the full extent of their capabilities.

WE WILL:

  • Maintain a database of information relating to students’ participation and achievement during their school years.
  • Provide syllabuses that articulate the knowledge, understanding, skills, values, attitudes and standards of achievement that students are expected to acquire from Pre-primary to Year 12.
  • On a cyclical basis, review and revise Pre‑primary to Year 12 syllabuses, associated standards of achievement and support resources.
  • Monitor and prepare reports on the standards of student achievement from Pre‑primary to Year 12.
  • Prepare reports on the standards of student achievement attained in schools in the State.
  • Provide formal acknowledgement of outstanding achievement in senior secondary school through the provision of exhibitions and awards.
  • Continue to expand the provision of curriculum, assessment and certification to schools internationally consistent with Western Australian Government policies.

OUR GOAL IS TO:
Develop and administer high-quality examination, testing and certification programs that instill confidence in the Western Australian curriculum and standards of achievement.

WE WILL:

  • Maintain the integrity of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and promote it as a highly regarded and rigorous Australian senior secondary certificate.
  • Promote the Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement (WASSA) as a statement of student achievement which forms the basis of both a student’s Learner Profile and Education Passport.
  • Continue to facilitate the recognition of Vocational Education and Training as an element of the WACE to support student pathways and preparation for work.
  • Administer the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA).
  • Administer the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) in Western Australia and lead the transition to NAPLAN Online in Western Australia.
  • Continue to lead the research, evaluation and development of the use of technology in testing, assessment and certification particularly in Years 11 and 12.
  • Develop a method of reporting on students’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills as a General Capability on the WASSA.
  • Investigate how other specified General Capabilities could be reported on the WASSA.

OUR GOAL IS TO:
Actively promote a high level of community confidence in the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline and the WACE through conduct and stakeholder engagement that is ethical, transparent and in the public interest.

WE WILL:

  • Ensure that our partnerships focus on the best educational outcomes for all Kindergarten to Year 12 students.
  • Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders and partners.
  • Continue to promote understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Authority.
  • Contribute responsively and effectively to national and State policy debate on matters related to Authority functions.