The curriculum as an object of educational enquiry has created thought provoking debate in the last decade (Apple, 2000; Moore & Young, 2001; Weiss et al., 2006; Young, 2008). One of the outstanding questions is: What is ‘the curriculum’? Conversations surrounding the curriculum imply school activity involving teachers and students: subjects or topics to be taught at an educational institution (Encarta Dictionary, 2010). Centred within a broader framework, the curriculum here in the state of Victoria is framed as the Victorian Essential Learning Standards. According to the Victorian education organisation responsible for curriculum development:
The Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) outline what is important for all Victorian students to learn and develop during their time at school from Prep to Year 10. They provide a clear set of common state-wide standards which schools use to plan student learning programs, assess student progress and report to parents (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, 2009).