Victorian Schools Set for Full 2026 Implementation of History Curriculum Featuring Chinese History

Victorian high schools are preparing for the full implementation of the updated F-10 History curriculum by 2026, which explicitly includes Chinese history as a key study area. The curriculum, part of the Victorian Curriculum F-10 Version 2.0, allows for optional implementation starting in 2025. This development recently garnered attention following a tweet from Shaun O'Dwyer, who shared an "illustration from Victoria's new high school Chinese history syllabus."

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) outlines that for Levels 7 and 8, which correspond to early high school years, the history curriculum includes "Ancient world and early civilisations." Within this section, "China" is listed as a specific study option, covering history from approximately 60,000 BC to 650 AD. This integration ensures that students engage with the foundational periods of ancient Chinese societies as part of their broader historical education.

The introduction of updated Chinese history content comes amidst past discussions regarding educational materials in the state. In 2020, a textbook used in some Victorian schools for Chinese language, culture, and society was found to contain elements reflecting Chinese Communist Party propaganda, including a controversial map. This incident led to the publisher recalling unsold copies and highlighted sensitivities surrounding the portrayal of China in Australian education.

Broader pedagogical challenges in teaching Chinese subjects in Australian schools have also been noted, including differing teaching philosophies between Australian and Chinese educational cultures. Research by Jane Orton and Andrew Scrimgeour (2019) highlighted tensions and the closure of Victoria's Chinese Teacher Training Centre in 2015 due to funding issues, indicating a complex landscape for Chinese education in the state.

The updated curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global history, including the significant contributions and developments of ancient China. By integrating Chinese history into the core curriculum, Victorian education seeks to broaden students' perspectives and foster intercultural understanding within an increasingly interconnected world, while navigating the complexities of historical representation.