Top How programs need to relate to the broad social context There have been accusations in the last few years that schools are increasingly required to turn out a product which can fit immediately and conveniently into the work force. Schools are not sausage factories and strongly resist the notion - but one thing that always has potential for success in programming and planning is 'applicability' of a skill kids are learning. The relevance of some courses has been questioned and the revision of them and subsequent accreditation takes place regularly. Increasingly, emphasis has been on skill development which will enable young people to adapt to changed or changing circumstances. There is a great deal of emphasis on flexibility and independence of action.
Many subject areas are keenly aware of taking the learning out into a broader social context.
One good example of this is the Independent Research Report which is carried out by Year 10 Social Education students. They are able to choose their own topic but the emphasis is placed on their selecting a topical area of interest both to themselves and to the broader community. By-Pass Around Tennant Creek'. As well as developing high level skills in research, communication, analysis and reporting, the kids are applying the same skills in a meaningful context, dealing with issues that are contemporaneous and with which they themselves will have to in their lives. The relevance of curriculum content becomes apparent when certain course requirements are examined.